Liverpool launches AI-powered robotic lab for drug discovery

The Liverpool Accelerate Laboratory, a £20 million robotic and artificial intelligence facility, has launched at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. As the first High Containment Level 3 (CL3) robotic lab in the UK, the facility is designed to automate complex biological processes to accelerate the discovery of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics for dangerous infectious diseases.

Developed through the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON), the laboratory integrates advanced robotics, AI-driven systems, and human organoid technology. The use of organoids—miniature human organ models grown from cells—allows researchers to mimic human tissue responses more accurately, reducing reliance on animal testing. The facility features fully automated liquid handling systems for high-throughput screening and 24/7 monitoring.

The laboratory is a significant investment in the UK life sciences sector, receiving £10 million in support from the Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme. It is designed to meet high biohazard security requirements to safely handle hazardous pathogens and serves as a national biosecurity asset. While operational activity has begun, the facility is scheduled to be fully open by 2027.