Shanghai has launched China's first AI-powered autonomous laboratory in materials science, capable of conducting scientific research without human intervention, marking a major step toward AI-driven research and development in the field.
Developed by a team of young AI scientists backed by Fudan University, the laboratory integrates artificial intelligence with automated robotics to carry out the entire research process.
The system autonomously generates and screens molecular designs before sending them to an automated laboratory for compound synthesis, purification, and testing. The experimental results are then fed back into the AI model, allowing it to continuously improve its performance.
Unlike conventional laboratories, where researchers oversee experiments and analyze results, the AI-powered facility can complete the entire research workflow autonomously.
Ahead of the four-day 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), which opened in Shanghai on Friday, the laboratory completed a five-day trial run, independently carrying out 135 research tasks.
"Many complicated experimental procedures can now be fully automated. AI agents can also operate a wide range of laboratory instruments on their own. This significantly improves research productivity," said Cao Fenglei, an AI scientist with the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science (SAIS).
The team behind the laboratory is made up largely of university graduates. Fudan University said it hopes to cultivate more research teams capable of using AI to tackle fundamental scientific challenges.
"Teams coming out of universities place great emphasis on solving real scientific problems. They also have [a deep] understanding of materials science, enabling them to have deep expertise in materials science," said Wu Libo, a principal assistant from Fudan University.
At this year's WAIC, Fudan University also unveiled several other AI initiatives, including the Fuxi Constellation project, an AI-powered weather forecasting system. Its first satellite is expected to be launched before March next year.
The 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) is running in Shanghai from Friday to Monday under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future."
Shanghai launches China's first AI-powered autonomous laboratory for materials science
Business leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world gathered at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where discussions are focusing on turning AI innovation into cross-border partnerships and real-world applications.
The 2026 WAIC is running in Shanghai from Friday to Monday under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future."
Across the exhibition halls, conversations often extended beyond product demonstrations, with visitors exploring potential partnerships, supply chains and overseas expansion.
Among them was Paolo Brizzi, chief information officer of Italy's Competence Center for Industry and Manufacturing (CIM), who met with a Chinese AI company to discuss cooperation ranging from industrial applications to entering the European market.
"My point is not to be a customer or a provider of technologies, but to identify parts [where we can] actually collaborate and work together," he said.
The four-day conference has also created opportunities for startups to connect with investors, researchers and potential customers. One startup launched an online networking group on the opening day, attracting hundreds of participants who exchanged ideas, explored business opportunities and sought technical solutions.
Participants said AI innovation depends not only on technological breakthroughs but also on cooperation across industries and countries.
"Collaboration is important because alone you cannot do so much. It needs to be a team support ecosystem," said Florian Wohlrab, CEO of Canada-based OpenHW Foundation.
For many international visitors, the conference is also an opportunity to explore how AI can help address practical challenges. Omar Khan, a participant from Pakistan, said international cooperation is essential to ensuring AI benefits everyone.
"I think, for me, we are all the one. We're human and I think we can cooperate a lot," he said.
Some attendees were looking for solutions to challenges in their home countries. A visitor from Kenya said AI applications such as weather forecast and soil analysis could help improve agricultural productivity across many parts of Africa, where farming remains a cornerstone of the economy.
As countries race to advance AI technologies, participants at this year's WAIC said the conference has become a platform for connecting ideas, technology and demand across borders, helping turn AI innovation into practical international cooperation.
World AI Conference highlights growing demand for global AI partnership
