AI2111 Smart Science AI-Powered Discoveries for Academic Minds 1

AI for Automation in Laboratories

Module 12 – AI for Automation in

Laboratories

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Understand the role of AI in laboratory automation;
2. Learn about AI technologies used in lab automation; and
3. Explore advanced AI techniques for lab automation.

INTRODUCTION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of laboratory automation, bringing
unprecedented efficiency, precision, and innovation to scientific research and diagnostics. Traditionally,
laboratories relied heavily on manual processes that were time-consuming and prone to human error. With
the advent of AI, these processes are being revolutionized, allowing for the automation of repetitive tasks
such as sample preparation, data analysis, and even complex experimental procedures. AI-powered robots
and software can handle vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, freeing up scientists to focus on more
complex and creative aspects of their work. This automation not only increases the throughput of
laboratories but also enhances the reliability and reproducibility of experiments. Furthermore, AI in
laboratory automation facilitates the integration of sophisticated data analytics, enabling laboratories to
gain deeper insights from their experiments. Advanced AI algorithms can predict outcomes, optimize
workflows, and even assist in decision-making processes. As AI continues to evolve, it is paving the way for
fully autonomous laboratories where experiments can be conducted with minimal human intervention.
This shift is particularly impactful in fields like pharmaceutical research, where speed and precision are
critical. However, the integration of AI into laboratory settings also raises important ethical and practical
considerations, such as data privacy, the need for skilled oversight, and the potential displacement of jobs.
Overall, AI-driven automation is not just a trend but a transformative force that is reshaping the future of
scientific research and laboratory operations.
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION IN SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS
The capacity to travel, the broad availability of food and healthcare, as well as several other scientific
and technical advancements, have allowed billions of people to live better lives than those of rulers from
centuries before. I find it quite amazing how infrequently this astounding truth is acknowledged. Of course,
despite all of our achievements, the 21st century still presents numerous difficulties for the world:
pandemics, poverty, disease, and climate change to mention a few. We might be able to deal with and
overcome these issues if all the nations came together to pool resources and technology. But there is no
precedent for such cooperation in history, and there is little reason for optimism given the state of world
politics now.
Increasing the productivity of research and technology is our best chance of overcoming these
obstacles. Automation in the lab and artificial intelligence (AI) are the only practical ways to do this. AI
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AI for Automation in Laboratories

programs already have superhuman scientific abilities. They are able to learn from enormous datasets and
retain vast amounts of information. They are capable of almost perfect probabilistic thinking as well as
perfect logical reasoning. They possess the ability to read all scientific papers ever written. These abilities
complement those of human scientists. One of the fundamental discoveries of the scientific method, which
dates back to the 17th century, was the necessity of carrying out experiments in the real world in addition
to thinking.
The majority of laboratory jobs that people can currently perform in the lab can now be completed
by robots thanks to advancements in laboratory automation. The idea of "Cloud Labs" is also starting to
take shape at this point. The goal is to enable large-scale, remote laboratory automation. Scientists would
transmit their samples to the cloud lab and use a computer interface to plan and carry out their research.
Then there are AI scientists, sometimes known as "robot scientists" or "self-driving labs," who are AI
systems coupled with laboratory automations to perform the closed-loop automation of scientific research.
These systems automatically generate hypotheses to account for observations, plan experiments to test
these theories, use laboratory robots to physically conduct these tests, analyze the findings, and then repeat
the process.
Labor and time restrictions in laboratories can be significantly reduced with the use of robotics and
automation. Laboratories may save a significant amount of time and manpower by automating repetitive
and time-consuming processes. High-level automation made possible by technologies like liquid handling
and microfluidic devices led to increased productivity and a decrease in the requirement for specialized
labor for these jobs. Furthermore, a notable development is the shift towards distant laboratories like cloud
laboratories and biofoundries. Scientists may do automated experiments in these remote research spaces
without requiring specialized on-site equipment, which increases the flexibility and accessibility of
laboratory automation.
Compared to humans, AI scientists can work longer, more correctly, more quickly, and more
cheaply. They're also simple to multiply. Because the computer designs and conducts the tests
automatically, every step of the scientific method may be fully recorded and digitally curated, increasing
the reproducibility of the findings. Currently, there are about 100 AI scientists working in fields ranging
from chemistry to medicine, astrophysics to quantum mechanics.
The world has been in disbelief for the past year or two dues to the remarkable performance of
Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, which have achieved breakthrough results on a variety of
conversation-based tasks. Remarkably adept at absorbing technical knowledge, including logical
statements and chemical operations, are LLMs. LLMs and Foundation Models in general have a lot of
promise to help AI scientists become supercharged. Because they have studied every scientific publication,
they may serve as a source for both fresh scientific theories and scientific information.
LAB AUTOMATION'S FINANCIAL IMPACT: INVESTMENT AND RETURNS
Automating a laboratory involves a large initial outlay of funds. This cost covers both the purchase
of cutting-edge robotic systems and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as well as their integration into
the workflows and infrastructure of the laboratory as it now exists. A research published in Clinical
Chemistry states that while choosing an automated system, labs need to consider a number of elements,
including overall cost, maintenance needs, analytical criteria, performance capabilities, and space
constraints. These factors are essential to make sure the chosen system maximizes the return on
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AI for Automation in Laboratories

investment by matching the laboratory's unique operating requirements and limits. In order to maximize
return on investment and minimize disturbance to existing laboratory activities, strategic planning is
crucial.
The significant boost in productivity and efficiency that comes with laboratory automation is one of
its main financial advantages. According to research published in Clinical Chemistry, automating
fundamental laboratory procedures can cut down on human processing stages by as much as 86%. In
addition to improving operational efficiency, this reduction in manual labor also results in a large labor
cost savings. Furthermore, as Mayo Clinic Laboratories pointed out, since automating, some labs have seen
a ten-fold increase in daily work volumes. This scalability directly affects the lab's ability to handle heavier
workloads, which leads to increased productivity and efficiency. These improvements are especially
helpful in high-throughput settings where managing massive amounts of data and samples is
commonplace, guaranteeing the laboratory's capacity to satisfy the expanding needs in scientific and
medical research.
Additionally, automation reduces human error and increases the dependability of laboratory results
by improving the quality and precision of the data. This is particularly useful in domains like drug
development and genetics that demand great precision. A stronger reputation for the laboratory results
from the greater precision and dependability, which may draw in new revenue and research prospects.
Automation saves a substantial amount of operating costs over time. Automation lowers the cost per test
as well as continuing operating expenses by optimising operations, cutting waste, and minimizing the need
for skilled manual staff. This eventually results in a high-volume screening and analysis that is more
economically feasible, improving the laboratory's financial viability and offering a sizable return on the
initial expenditure.
AI-DRIVEN LABORATORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
People frequently use the phrase "AI" incorrectly in an attempt to draw attention to the topic,
sometimes because they don't understand what it means. The definition of "intelligent" software program
is not made clear by the Oxford English Dictionary, which defines it as "the theory and development of
computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception,
speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages." The definition provided by John
McCarthy in 2004 is more accurate in that it states that artificial intelligence is the study and creation of
intelligent machines, particularly computer programs. Nevertheless, there are still unanswered questions,
such as what exactly intelligence is and how will we determine whether a machine exhibits it.
Is it possible for a silicon lump to have human-like intelligence? Okay, okay, well, maybe not just
yet! But maybe we're becoming nearer. The commonly recognized kind of artificial intelligence integrates
computer science with large, reliable datasets to facilitate problem-solving. This complements and extends
the ideas of machine learning and may significantly increase the capacity of business analytics to uncover
patterns and solutions in massive data sets. A portion of the data pre-processing that has traditionally been
required for machine learning is reduced by deep learning methods. These algorithms can automatically
extract features from unstructured data, like as text and photos, then ingest and analyze it. This reduces
the need for human expertise in some situations.
But this is probably not as sophisticated as true intelligence. It's about breaking the rules; it's not
just about translating words; it's also about figuring out when to coin a new term when the existing one
isn't quite enough and about adjusting to the situation you're in. Being able to anticipate the next word in

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AI for Automation in Laboratories

an article using intricate mathematical probabilities and continuing this procedure until the piece is
finished is not a sign of intelligence. It involves identifying patterns in the data, adjusting to new inputs,
and learning from the dataset.
Strong datasets are essential for all of the existing AI technologies. Simple enough, considering that
labs are using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) as a result of digitalization. However,
laboratories also need to retain pertinent sample information in addition to sample data. What exactly is
metadata, and what should I preserve? And that's the million-dollar query. Metadata provides context for
sample data, such as where it came from. How did it get gathered? Does it pertain to any additional
samples? In what way is it kept? The custodian is who? And so forth. Metadata will vary depending on the
data. To detect bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, for example, you may
gather surveillance data from cow herds. In this case, relevant meta data may include breed, geographic
location, ZIP/postcode, herd statistics, related animals, animal feed used, type of insemination, and even
veterinary case history. You would be interested in meta data about the sampling point, date and time,
location, sample route, sampler, and other details if it's a water testing facility.
To decrease human error and increase throughput, robotic systems are being utilized more and
more for activities including data interpretation, liquid dispensing, and sample handling. Artificial
intelligence algorithms will eventually evaluate the whole workload and adjust resource distribution to
optimize overall efficiency.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to assist with predictive maintenance of laboratory
equipment by anticipating when instruments may break or need maintenance, thereby minimizing
downtime. Similar to this, AI may be used to industrial processes for real-time monitoring and quality
control, seeing when results start to stray and guaranteeing stricter process tolerances. These adaptive
learning strategies are a modest move away from the more "fixed" process boundaries we employ now and
will assist increase profitability.

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AI for Automation in Laboratories

References and Supplementary Materials

1. Ps, C. (2019). Artificial Intelligence, laboratory information management systems. World

Conference on Access to Medical Products Achieving the SDGs 2030, 1.
[Link]
ratory_Information_management_systems
2. [Link]
3. [Link]
scientific-discoveries-and-innovations
4. [Link]
within-lims-and-the-laboratory

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