Artificial intelligence and automation to power the future of chemistry

Abstract

In our traditional impression of chemical laboratories, researchers wear white coats and safety goggles to conduct experiments. However, many recent developments in the field make use of autonomous synthesis robots with integrated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven machine-learning units. These benchtop devices might outperform human chemists in terms of speed and accuracy, which could accelerate the discovery of molecules and materials for various applications. In this Voices piece, we ask a panel of experts from institutes in China: How are AI and automation shaping the future of chemistry?