Grants and Contributions:

Title:
Model-Based Reinforcement Learning Robots for Transparent Vessel Identification and Manipulation in Self-Driving Labs
Agreement Number:
1016248
Agreement Value:
$247,500.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 21, 2024 - Mar 31, 2026
Description:
Automation in chemistry labs expedites experimentation and minimizes errors, facilitating more cost-effective material and drug discovery. The project aims to automate chemistry labs by developing transferable, adaptable, and generalizable robotic systems using Reinforcement Learning (RL). The project is designed to tackle the challenges of integrating robotic arms into chemistry labs, focusing on minimizing data requirements and enhancing real-world applications of RL. Key objectives include developing a model-based RL method that generalizes across different robotic platforms, creating robust and transferable RL agents, and ensuring the real-time adaptability of robots to evolving lab tasks. The project addresses the unique challenge of manipulating transparent objects and aims to implement high frequency control for agile and responsive robot behavior. By extending the Remote-Local Distributed (ReLoD) system to model-based RL, the project aims to refine the real-time learning and control of lab robots, setting the stage for widespread adoption of automated, efficient, and intelligent lab systems.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:
Edmonton, Alberta, CA T5J 4P6
Reference Number:
172-2023-2024-Q4-1016248
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
108102831
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
The Governors of the University of Alberta
Federal Riding Name:
Edmonton Centre
Federal Riding Number:
48014
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences