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Accelerating discovery in natural science laboratories with AI and robotics: Perspectives and challenges
Andrew I Cooper1, Patrick Courtney2, Kourosh Darvish3,4
1University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Science Robotics
|September 24, 2025
Summary
Laboratory automation accelerates scientific discovery but requires interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome challenges in autonomy, reproducibility, and ethics. Experts discuss these critical issues across natural science disciplines.
Area of Science:
- Life sciences
- Materials science
- Natural sciences
Background:
- Laboratory automation is crucial for accelerating scientific discovery.
- Significant challenges impede the full potential of automation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight key challenges in laboratory automation.
- To present expert perspectives on overcoming these hurdles.
Main Methods:
- Review of interdisciplinary expert opinions.
- Discussion of challenges including autonomy, reproducibility, throughput, standardization, human roles, and ethics.
Main Results:
- Automation requires robust and flexible autonomy.
- Reproducibility, throughput, and standardization are critical factors.
- The role of human scientists and ethical considerations are paramount.
Conclusions:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing laboratory automation.
- Addressing these challenges will enhance the impact of automation in science.
