突破想象！AI机器人成为实验室“主力军

Core Viewpoint - The integration of AI and robotics in chemical research is revolutionizing the traditional trial-and-error method, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with the development of new materials [1][2]. Group 1: AI and Robotics in Research - The "smart scientist" can autonomously design experimental plans and conduct experiments continuously, showcasing the potential of AI in transforming research paradigms [1][2]. - The laboratory houses 110 "smart scientists" across 19 distributed labs, capable of performing a series of operations such as reagent configuration and sample synthesis, with real-time data synchronization [1][2]. Group 2: Development of the AI Platform - The AI platform, initially designed to solve chemical problems, took three years to compile over one million chemical data points from textbooks, papers, and patents, along with expert knowledge [3]. - The "smart brain" of the AI was developed to understand complex chemical knowledge, enhancing its capabilities in research [3]. Group 3: Achievements and Innovations - The "machine chemist" named "Xiao Lai" was created in 2021, capable of performing 2,000 precise operations daily, equivalent to the work of five to six researchers [5]. - "Xiao Lai" successfully identified the optimal formula for a Mars oxygen catalyst in six weeks, a task that would take human researchers 2,000 years to validate [5]. - The second-generation "machine chemist," named "Xiao Lin," was developed by integrating a robotic arm and multiple generative models, further enhancing its research capabilities [5]. Group 4: Future Directions and Applications - In 2024, the "smart scientist" created phase change thermal insulation and flame-retardant materials, which have been tested for mass production and are being applied in industries [6]. - The "AICHEM cloud platform" allows remote experimentation, enabling collaboration across different universities and research institutions [9]. - The ultimate goal is to achieve "fully autonomous research" where the AI can discover new research directions and create materials independently, even for non-chemistry professionals [9].