AI robots work together to perform autonomous synthesis and analysis

Two AI-driven mobile robots have been programmed to autonomously and cooperatively perform and analyse chemical reactions. A team led by Andrew Cooper, at the University of Liverpool, UK, has developed a workflow incorporating an advanced AI decision-making model that interprets data from multiple analytical tools to improve experimental design. The researchers behind the work believe it offers the potential for rapid discoveries in chemical manufacturing and drug discovery research.

In 2020, Cooper’s team introduced a mobile robotic chemist for optimising photocatalytic hydrogen production. Over eight days, the robot conducted nearly 700 experiments. However, this system was restricted to a single type of reaction and relied solely on gas chromatography for analytical feedback, limiting its ability to handle complex or diverse chemistries.