Robots can now safely handle dangerous chemicals and fragile glass in automated labs
A new control system lets robots gently and precisely manage hazardous lab materials.
Deep Dive
Researchers developed a new robotic control method for self-driving labs. It allows a robot arm on a mobile platform to safely grasp and move fragile glass vessels containing dangerous chemicals. The new system, called model-based sliding mode control, achieved up to 90% smoother motion and lower energy use than standard controllers. It successfully completed delicate tasks like opening windows and handling vessels where previous methods failed.
Why It Matters
This makes automated labs safer and more reliable, accelerating scientific discovery in chemistry and medicine.