As previously mentioned in our LinkedIn profile, recent research at the University of Sheffield found that self-driving laboratories are transforming chemical research by using AI to manage, record and enhance chemical reactions. Chemical companies face high levels of pressure as there’s a constant rise in demands to deliver results quicker along with operating sustainably and keeping on top within this competitive market. This is where the increase of self-driving laboratories offers an opportunity to step forward. These AI- driven, automated research & development programmes are reshaping how chemicals are discovered and how products are developing, providing results in a much faster, smarter and safer manner. This appeals to chemical clients as it is all a lot more efficient than previous procedures. Below we will share some reasons why self-driving labs are quickly becoming the breakthrough which the chemical industry didn’t know they needed.
One of the reasons to why self-driving labs are beneficial is that traditional R&D (research & development) tends to be slow, repetitive and quite demanding on resources, whereas these self-driving labs use AI and machines to:
- Analyse real-time data to enhance reactions there and then.
- Run hundreds of experiments independently.
- Shorten the time from the hypothesis to the discovery. This usually results in substituting weeks for days from the help of these self-driving labs
These beneficial features are key for chemical companies that are desiring faster speed to the market for new formulas, materials and coatings or additives. It also adds a competitive edge to your company in this intense industry.
The machines previously mentioned use robotic systems and real-time analytics, using these elements allows for self-driving labs to control the reactions precisely, eliminating any mistakes from humans while also producing high-quality results each and every time. These characteristics are crucial in B2B relationships as it’s all about precision and having product consistency and performance is a must in staying successful. As these self-driving labs can intelligently improve reactions and minimise waste, this also benefits the environment. The AI process uses less energy and fewer materials with risky or toxic methods being automated and contained. By having these hazardous and repetitive tasks automated, these self-driving labs can keep the non-AI, human workers out of dangerous environments while reducing the exposure to intense chemicals. An additional advantage would be how the ‘Green deal’ principles can be implemented into the development from the start, aiding your brand to meet sustainability goals which appeals to eco-conscious partners and regulators.
The AI within these self-driving labs don’t just follow basic instructions, they learn and develop along with your business. Each experiment feeds back into the system, improving future outcomes and building an infinite fountain of insights for future productions. This also comes as an advantage for those companies in specialty chemicals like coatings, polymers, pharma ingredients, etc. The custom and efficient solutions from these AI platforms in the self-driving labs are developed faster for your clients and are ideal for marketing and partnership growth. These self-driving laboratories that are on the rise indicate how powerful the evolution of the chemical industry is. Using artificial intelligence offers a smarter, more sustainable and safer approach to innovation. For many of the B2B chemical companies feeling the pressure to deliver while also trying to maintain consistent results, the AI platforms provide a clear competitive advantage. As this industry continues to advance daily, taking on these self-driving labs could be the key to staying ahead of competitors while unlocking new opportunities for your brand, especially within the research and development sector.
While on the topic of R&D within chemical products, our members at Goldmann in Germany and Barcelonesa in Spain both have supporting laboratory facilities, although not self-driving, both not only assist in quality control but are also very much involved with the research and development of products. Our other fellow member, Symphony Pharma in India, has extensive R&D and production support laboratories, alongside substantial contract manufacturing operations for the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries..
