Chinese AI Scientist Completes 11,382-Step Experiment in 203 Hours

The Chosun Ilbo · Kwak Soo-keun · 2026-11-04 15:12 UTC

Chinese AI Scientist Completes 11,382-Step Experiment in 203 Hours South Korea Aims to Develop Autonomous AI Researcher by 2035 Amid Global Lab Automation Race

When a scientist instructed an artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct an experiment, the AI autonomously designed the experimental method and operated robotic arms and various equipment. In a particularly notable experiment involving storing and retrieving information in DNA, the AI performed 11,382 steps over 203 hours. While humans occasionally replenished experimental materials, the AI handled most tasks, including planning, equipment control, and result analysis.

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China developed "AutoDNA," a system that designs and executes experiments based on researcher instructions, publishing their findings in the international journal *Nature* on the 5th. This "AI scientist" system connects over 20 types of equipment to autonomously perform experiments, from DNA synthesis to genetic mutation analysis.

◇AI Designs Experiments and Operates Robotic Arms

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