Self-Driving Laboratories represent a new technology integrating artificial intelligence, chemistry, and robotics with the goal of automating experimental laboratory work to make it faster, more reproducible, and – potentially – capable of operating without direct human intervention. While significant advancements have been achieved in recent years by both the scientific research community and industry, SDLs remain an emerging technology. Nevertheless, it is already evident that a comprehensive governance framework around SDLs is essential. This should encompass structured education initiatives, institutionalized cooperation with international bodies (e.g. OPCW), and the expansion of existing legal instruments to explicitly regulate the application of AI in domains relevant to chemical security. Moreover, access to these systems should only be granted to professionals with comprehensive justification.
Bibliographic record
García López, C. (2025). Self-Driving Laboratories. In: Göttsche, M.; Reis, K. & Daase, C. (Eds.). New Realities of AI in Global Security. CNTR Monitor – Technology and Arms Control 2025. PRIF – Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.
Author
Dr. Carmen García López
