Toward Full Autonomous Laboratory Instrumentation Control with Large Language Models

The control of complex laboratory instrumentation often requires significant programming expertise, creating a barrier for researchers lacking computational skills. This work explores the potential of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, to enable efficient programming and automation of sc...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yong Xie, Kexin He, Andres Castellanos‐Gomez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley-VCH 2025-08-01
Series:Small Structures
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/sstr.202500173
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Summary:The control of complex laboratory instrumentation often requires significant programming expertise, creating a barrier for researchers lacking computational skills. This work explores the potential of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, to enable efficient programming and automation of scientific equipment. Through a case study involving the implementation of a setup that can be used as a single‐pixel camera or a scanning photocurrent microscope, it is demonstrated how ChatGPT can facilitate the creation of custom scripts for instrumentation control, significantly reducing the technical barrier for experimental customization. Building on this capability, it is further illustrated how LLM‐assisted tools can be used to develop autonomous agents capable of independently operating laboratory instruments. This approach underscores the transformative role of LLM‐based tools in democratizing laboratory automation and accelerating scientific progress.
ISSN:2688-4062