Robot scientist revealed – and it's already made its first breakthrough

A robot scientist capable of carrying out experiments by itself has made its first discovery, a new study has revealed. Researchers at the University of Liverpool built the intelligent mobile robot chemist in the hope of solving a range of research problems. Similar to a human researcher, the first-of-its-kind robot is able to use standard laboratory equipment with its humanoid limbs, as well as make its own decisions about which experiments to perform. Unlike a human, however, the 400kg machine can think in 10 dimensions and is capable of working for up to 21.5 hours a day – pausing only to recharge its batteries. "Our strategy here was to automate the researcher, rather than the instruments," said Professor Andrew Cooper from the university's Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory.