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The scientists who nimbly navigate chemistry labs may not be human, but AI robots.
In 2019, a team of researchers at the University of Liverpool developed their own AI robot chemist. The machine, comprising a fixed base and a flexible robot arm, is equipped with sophisticated laboratory tools, allowing it to conduct independent research.
The AI robot chemist plays a crucial role in scientific research, efficiently screening thousands of catalysts and identifying materials that can extract hydrogen. Remarkably, it can study 1,000 catalyst formulations in a week, a task equivalent to four years of work for a PhD student. Its incredible efficiency marks a significant advancement in catalysis research.
We once again encountered the robot chemist, gracing the cover of Nature. This time, it's an upgraded version capable of not only maneuvering seamlessly between laboratory equipment, mimicking human-like movements but also operating tirelessly—21.5 hours a day, seven days a week. With just 2.5 hours allocated for recharging, it surpasses human endurance.
Remarkably, this new iteration is not only more efficient but also smarter than humans. It autonomously discovered a novel catalyst material, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
The AI robot chemist now possesses humanoid characteristics, standing at 1.75 meters and weighing 400 kilograms. Despite its increased weight, it moves with surprising agility, defying any perception of bulkiness.
A key feature that sets the AI robot apart from humans is its exceptional efficiency, working tirelessly around the clock. In an impressive display of productivity, the chemist logged 172 hours over 8 days, executed 319 movements, and completed 6,500 maneuvers.
What's truly remarkable is the robot's autonomy in utilizing all the laboratory equipment without human guidance. Dr. Benjamin Burger from the team highlights its cognitive prowess, noting its ability to 'think in 10 dimensions.' This capability enables the robot to independently perform fundamental lab tasks, including weighing solids and dispensing liquids.
Notably, in its recent experiments, the AI robot chemist made a groundbreaking discovery—an exceptionally active catalyst, marking a significant milestone in its scientific endeavors.
With the vast number of compound molecules in biology and chemistry, tackling scale and complexity has long been a challenge for laboratories. Professor Cooper's team sees great potential in the robot to address this issue uniquely. Through AI technology, the robot can efficiently navigate the immense, unexplored chemical space, uncovering potentially novel materials.
It's crucial to emphasize that the outstanding performance of the AI robot is not intended to surpass human capabilities. Instead, its purpose is to assist humans in enhancing research and development efforts.
