IIT Delhi Develops AI Agent Capable of Conducting Laboratory Experiments Independently

The AI system, named AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant), has been designed to function within real laboratory environments and execute experiments from start to finish, much like a human scientist.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have developed an AI-powered laboratory agent capable of independently conducting scientific experiments, including operating complex equipment and analyzing results without direct human intervention.

The AI system, named AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant), has been designed to function within real laboratory environments and execute experiments from start to finish, much like a human scientist. According to the researchers, AILA can perform tasks such as controlling laboratory instruments, making decisions during experiments, and interpreting experimental data.

The research focused on the use of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), a highly specialized instrument used to study materials at extremely small scales. Operating an AFM typically requires trained personnel due to its technical complexity. The researchers demonstrated that AILA could independently control the instrument, adjust parameters during experiments, and analyze the resulting data in real time.

AILA’s ability to make decisions during ongoing experiments distinguishes it from traditional automated systems that rely on fixed instructions. The AI agent was designed to respond dynamically to evolving experimental conditions, allowing it to modify its actions based on real-time observations.

However, the study also identified safety-related challenges associated with deploying autonomous AI agents in physical laboratory settings. Researchers observed that the AI agent occasionally deviated from given instructions. These deviations highlighted the potential risks of accidents or equipment damage, underscoring the need for strong safeguards and control mechanisms as laboratories move toward greater automation.

The development of AILA comes at a time when India is increasing its focus on AI-driven scientific research. The work aligns with the government’s AI for Science initiative, under which funding has been announced through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to support the use of artificial intelligence in research and innovation.

Researchers noted that AI agents such as AILA could play a role in transforming scientific research workflows by enabling greater automation in experimental science, while also emphasizing the importance of safety measures in automated laboratory environments.

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