Challenge
The pace of scientific discovery is influenced by the traditional, human-driven experimental process and the availability of non-deterministic AI-driven control tools to implement complex experimental designs in combinatorially large design parameter spaces. These bottlenecks slow the cycle of hypothesis, experimentation, and discovery, leading to inefficient use of critical national assets and delaying scientific breakthroughs. Automating at least some parts of the scientific experimental scheme will both increase the volume of data produced for improved AI models and improve the repeatability of experiments.
AI Solution
Artificial intelligence will be integrated directly into the experimental workflow and data analysis, combining robotics, edge AI, real-time analysis and intelligent feedback, hypothesis generation, and data curation/sharing.
Justification
These AI-driven laboratories will allow scientists to explore complex phenomena at an unprecedented rate and scale and are critical to achieving the Genesis Mission goals. DOE’s user facilities and long-standing National laboratories have the infrastructure, capabilities, and expertise to serve as the nucleus for innovation with this type of high throughput discovery.
National Impact
Accelerating discovery through AI-driven laboratories will directly advance U.S. scientific leadership and economic competitiveness. This capability will speed up the development of novel materials and molecules for energy, next-generation computing, national security, and biotechnology. Like other challenges, it will also solidify the nation’s position at the forefront of AI and scientific innovation, create a new paradigm for 21st-century research, and train a future workforce fluent in the integration of AI, data science, and experimentation.