INS3-1587
High-Throughput Autonomous Systems for Polymer Fabrication
Topic
S3. Processing / Fabrications (Emerging Horizons in Polymer Processing and Fabrication)
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
16:40 - 17:05
Room 104
Session Chairs
Juhyuk PARK
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Godman (Air Force Research Laboratory)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Traditional laboratory workflows limit the speed of exploration due to the manual, labor-intensive, and inherently slow throughput. This talk will discuss efforts to design an autonomous platform engineered to compound, fabricate, and systematically test the properties of unique polymer samples with minimal human intervention.The modular hardware architecture integrates precision dispensing of powders and viscous solutions, automated mixing/compounding, and prepping samples in relevant form factors. Samples are subsequently characterized via high-throughput methodologies tailored to the specific application. The goal is producing large datasets to train artificial intelligence to dynamically analyze material properties and select optimal formulation candidates for subsequent experimental cycles. By seamlessly coupling advanced physical automation with machine learning, this platform aims to transform slow, iterative, manual trial-and-error development into a highly accelerated, continuous, and deterministic materials discovery pipeline.
