Aiming to Enhance Both Safety and Work Efficiency
Automating Repetitive Tasks Such as High-Temperature and High-Concentration Experiments
Allowing Researchers to Focus on Creative R&D
LG Chem has become the first company in the domestic chemical industry to introduce a robot automation laboratory, aiming to strengthen its research and development (R&D) competitiveness.
On September 22, LG Chem announced that it has established the "Robot Automation Laboratory (ASL·Autonomous Smart Lab)" at its Analytical Research Center within the Daejeon Technology Research Institute. This system stands out by deploying robots in the precision analysis process of cathode material raw materials-such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese-which are key components for electric vehicle batteries, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency.
LG Chem's automated robot is conducting night analysis experiments in the Robot Automation Laboratory (ASL). LG Chem
In this laboratory, when a researcher places a sample in the storage unit, the robot automatically performs the entire process, including retrieval, preprocessing, analysis, and disposal. Analytical data is also immediately entered into the system, which is expected to improve response times to customer requests. The company particularly noted that automating dangerous and repetitive experiments, such as high-temperature and high-concentration acid treatments that were previously handled manually, has contributed to improved safety.
Unlike the previous method, which was limited to working hours, the new system enables research to be conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, creating an unrestricted research environment. As a result, researchers are now able to focus on high-value-added work, such as developing new analytical methods.
Starting with this introduction, LG Chem plans to expand the establishment of automated analytical laboratories to its Magok R&D Campus in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and, in the mid- to long-term, develop these into "AX Converged Automation Laboratories" by integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-based data interpretation.
Lee Jonggu, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LG Chem, stated, "Analytical automation is not just about streamlining processes, but about creating an environment where researchers can immerse themselves in creative and strategic R&D. Through this, we aim to lead the competitiveness of next-generation materials and respond proactively to market changes."
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