New AI robot sets records in chemical synthesis
A group of chemists at the University of Amsterdam has developed an autonomous chemical synthesis robot called RoboChem that can outperform human chemists in terms of speed, accuracy, and ingenuity. The robot is equipped with an AI-based machine learning unit that enables it to optimize reaction conditions, identify new molecules, and even reproduce previously published research.
RoboChem uses “flow chemistry,” a new approach that replaces traditional beakers, flasks, and other chemical instruments with a system of small, flexible tubes. The robot thoroughly mixes the starting substances and directs them through a system of tubes into the reactor. Powerful LEDs then trigger the molecular conversion process by activating the photocatalyst in the reaction mixture. The resulting molecules are identified using an automated NMR spectrometer and transferred to an artificial intelligence system for further analysis.
The researchers found that RoboChem yields higher yields than traditional methods in about 80% of cases. It can also detect reactions that require minimal illumination, which human chemists would not be able to predict. In addition, RoboChem generates a complete and comprehensive dataset that includes both positive and negative results, providing valuable insights for future AI-driven chemistry.
