Modular, Multi-Robot Integration of Laboratories: An Autonomous Solid-State Workflow for Powder X-Ray Diffraction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fully autonomous, modular robotic workflow for powder X-ray diffraction that automates complex solid-state sample preparation and analysis, improving efficiency and data quality in materials research.

Contribution

It presents the first integrated, multi-robot system for end-to-end PXRD automation, demonstrating enhanced data quality and operational flexibility.

Findings

Achieved comparable or superior data quality to manual methods.

Demonstrated successful integration of multiple robots for complex workflows.

Reduced manual labor and increased throughput in PXRD experiments.

Abstract

Automation can transform productivity in research activities that use liquid handling, such as organic synthesis, but it has made less impact in materials laboratories, which require sample preparation steps and a range of solid-state characterization techniques. For example, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) is a key method in materials and pharmaceutical chemistry, but its end-to-end automation is challenging because it involves solid powder handling and sample processing. Here we present a fully autonomous solid-state workflow for PXRD experiments that can match or even surpass manual data quality. The workflow involves 12 steps performed by a team of three multipurpose robots, illustrating the power of flexible, modular automation to integrate complex, multitask laboratories.