LG CHEM said on the 22nd that it has built an Autonomous Smart Lab, a robot-automated laboratory, at the LG CHEM Daejeon Technology Research Institute's Analytical Research Center, the first such move in Korea's chemical industry.
The Analytical Research Center precisely analyzes lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and other materials that are raw materials for cathode materials, the core components of electric-vehicle batteries, helping strengthen competitiveness in next-generation battery materials.
With the introduction of the robot-automated laboratory, dangerous and repetitive analysis processes that had been performed directly by people—such as high-temperature and high-concentration acid treatments—have been automated, improving safety and analytical efficiency.
When a staff member places an analysis sample in the storage unit, the robot carries out, in one sequence, everything from release to sample pretreatment, analysis, and sample disposal, and the analysis data are automatically entered into the system, enabling very swift responses to customer requests.
Previously, researchers were directly engaged in preparing and conducting experiments according to working hours. However, with the introduction of the robot-automated laboratory, an unlimited research environment has been created in which experiments can be conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a result, researchers can focus on high-value-added tasks such as developing new analytical methods.
Starting with this introduction, LG CHEM will also establish an analysis-automation laboratory at the Magok R&D Campus and, in the mid to long term, plans to set up an AX convergence automation laboratory that links AI-based analysis data interpretation.
Executive Vice President Lee Jong-gu, chief technology officer (CTO) of LG CHEM, said, "Analysis automation is not merely about improving operational efficiency; it is a process of creating an environment where researchers can immerse themselves in creative and strategic research and development," adding, "Through this, we will lead competitiveness in next-generation materials and respond proactively to market changes."