Building Argonne’s Autonomous Research Laboratory (AARL) for Advanced Scientific Exploration

Argonne's Autonomous Research Laboratory (AARL) is a growing prototype facility for molecules to materials discovery, specifically, integrating robotics, AI and machine learning, and high-throughput characterization workflows for high impact exploration of new science. This laboratory is designed such that multiple projects can work simultaneously to expedite data-driven discoveries. These workflows also include air-free capabilities for projects such as energy storage. Synthetic platforms are interfaced with multiple characterization tools to validate properties. All systems are overlaid with one unified software framework for ease of control. The data collected can be interfaced real-time with AI and machine learning models. This talk will focus on case examples from building this laboratory, including how to create a self-driving lab with an air-free energy storage workflow. Redox-active molecules are studied by high-throughput, robotic preparation, with characterization of kinetic and electrochemical cycling stability as well a robotic analysis of degradation products. The established workflows can generate data on a 500 times scale versus traditional research of this kind. The integrated data models will form an overall picture for new materials for safer batteries. This research and laboratory establishment involves multiple directorates across Argonne to build a unified platform for a self-driving lab with broad scientific purpose. The chosen discovery-driven approaches are not simply for high-throughput or large data sets but for true scientific exploration.
This material is based upon work supported by Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) funding from Argonne National Laboratory, provided by the Director, Office of Science, of the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. The U.S. Government retains for itself, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in said article to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.