Swedish researchers develop autonomous AI scientist

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have developed an artificial intelligence system capable of conducting the full scientific discovery cycle with minimal human intervention. The system, described as an ‘AI scientist’, integrates large language models (LLMs), scientific databases, and laboratory robotics into a closed-loop process.

In a study published in the journal Interface Focus, the team tested the system using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer’s yeast). The AI analyzed approximately 60,000 biological relationships to generate nearly 2,000 testable predictions regarding how nutrients affect yeast growth and stress resistance.

The system functions by converting hypotheses into machine-readable instructions for laboratory equipment. Once experiments are completed, the AI analyzes the resulting data to determine if its predictions were correct, subsequently refining or rejecting its hypotheses to inform future research cycles. Researchers suggest this technology will allow scientists to collaborate with AI to accelerate discoveries in biology, medicine, and biotechnology.