Scientists develop agentic AI AutoDNA for laboratory research

Scientists have developed an agentic artificial intelligence named 'AutoDNA' to make laboratory research work easier and perhaps cheaper, as reported by The Hindu. This new technology uses the capabilities of agentic AI to perform physical activities independently in the laboratory.

Generally, well-known generative AI models have limitations, where humans sit in front of a computer screen to provide guidance and the chatbot's response is limited only to the screen. It can influence the human mind but cannot physically control any object like a pen or paper outside the computer. In contrast, agentic AI has the capability to perform independent physical tasks.

This technology could prove extremely useful in biology labs. It can be instructed to take liquid via a pipette and transfer it to a beaker. Additionally, it can heat tubes with the help of a thermal cycler, read the degree of fluorescence in a reaction, complete a series of experiments, observe and document results, and finally, it can also interpret the results.

For scientists, this is a reality that could not even have been imagined before. In 2022, when AI models were making mistakes in identifying the capitals of countries, people were mocking them, but now in four years, this technology has advanced so much that it possesses the capability to make decisions, plan, and work on its own in the laboratory.