AI Robot Lab Advances Heat-Resistant Coatings Discovery

Researchers have developed a self-driving laboratory that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to automate laboratory tasks, from accurately measuring and mixing chemical ingredients to high-temperature furnace processing and sample retrieval.

The team at the Centre of Excellence in Coating and Surface Engineering (CE-CSE) at the University of Nottingham have developed the system that could support the discovery and optimisation of advanced materials for applications including aerospace, energy and high-temperature engineering.

Developing new materials for extreme environments traditionally involves repeated experiments, with researchers preparing samples, processing them and testing their properties. These processes can be time-consuming and require many individual steps.

The Nottingham team has brought these tasks together in a coordinated automated system. Two robotic arms, a specially designed liquid-dispensing tool, laboratory equipment and purpose-built software work together to carry out the process.