In this interview, NewsMedical talks to Cerba Research’s Coen Stalpers about advances in automation and artificial intelligence in the laboratory setting. Can you describe the role artificial intelligence (AI) currently plays in your laboratory operations? Typically, we aim to automate processes to improve inefficiencies and quality. Often, the conceptual nature of these tasks makes it difficult to determine where to start.
In such cases, I frequently use AI , specifically ChatGPT, to generate a starting point by prompting questions like, "How would you do this?" or "How would you do that?" This process helps to organize my thoughts into a tree of ideas, adding branches and leaves that then require continuous prompting and refining. At the very least, we can clarify objectives and identify appropriate tools through AI. A concrete example is a machine that outputs data, which we need to integrate into an analysis workflow.
If the method is unclear, AI can provide examples and suggestions. While it is essential to critically evaluate these AI-generated suggestions, it offers a useful shortcut for conceptualizing projects. For instance, a machine from our lab reads samples and generates 100 numbers at a time, which previously required manual copying and pasting.
A simple script now accomplishes in one minute what used to take four hours. This approach enables us to develop proposals that, while not perfect, are at an acceptable level to present to decision-makers. Once a basic.