A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has unveiled an innovative digital laboratory system that represents a paradigm shift in how materials science research is conducted.
The dLab system, detailed in a recent publication in the journal Digital Discovery, consists of physically interconnected modular experimental instruments that enable complete automation from material synthesis to comprehensive property measurements. This integration allows researchers to delegate repetitive experimental tasks to robotic systems controlled by machine learning algorithms.
"We demonstrated that the system can autonomously synthesize a thin-film material specified by a researcher," explains Professor Taro Hitosugi of the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Science. His team successfully demonstrated the autonomous synthesis of lithium-ion positive-electrode thin films and their structural evaluation through X-ray diffraction pattern measurements.
The dLab architecture comprises two primary systems: one that integrates experimental instruments for automated materials synthesis and measurements, and another that handles data collection and analysis. Each measurement instrument outputs data in a standardized XML format called MaiML (Measurement Analysis Instrument Markup Language), which was registered as a Japanese Industrial Standard in 2024 through collaboration between the Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers Association and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
This standardization addresses a critical bottleneck in materials research by establishing unified formats for sample holders and data collection. "Today, laboratories are not merely places to house experimental instruments, but rather factories for producing materials and data, where experimental equipment operates as a system," notes Professor Hitosugi.
Looking ahead, the team plans to improve the system by standardizing orchestration software and scheduling to manage tasks for multiple samples more efficiently. "We aim to digitalize the research and development environment, foster researchers who can utilize these technologies, and facilitate data sharing and utilization," says lead author Kazunori Nishio, a specially appointed associate professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo. "This environment will fully leverage the creativity of researchers."