Abstract

Automating Biology & Chemistry

Katherine Roper, Research Associate, Manchester Institute of Technology

A Robot Scientist is a physically implemented robotic system that applies techniques from artificial intelligence to execute cycles of automated scientific experimentation. A Robot Scientist can automatically execute cycles of: hypothesis formation, selection of efficient experiments to discriminate between hypotheses, execution of experiments using laboratory automation equipment, and analysis of results. We developed the first Robot Scientist “Adam” to investigate yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) functional genomics. Adam identified genes encoding locally “orphan” enzymes in yeast. This was the first time that a machine had autonomously hypothesised and experimentally confirmed novel scientific knowledge. The Robot Scientist “Eve” automates and integrate: drug screening, hit conformation, and QSAR development. Eve also utilises novel synthetic biology screens that combine the advantages of target-based and cell-based assays. This combination of novel automation with synthetic biology assays enables much faster and cheaper screening. Our focus is on neglected tropical diseases, and Eve has confirmed hits against multiple targets in multiple parasites.