# Episode 98: Robotic chemists to discover new materials - Gabriella Pizzuto

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-11-15
- Length: 24m
- Episode: 98
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-ninety-eight-gabriella-pizzuto

## Summary

Gabriella Pizzuto, a Lecturer in Robotics and Chemistry Automation at the University of Liverpool, discusses deploying intelligent robotic manipulators to accelerate material discovery in chemistry labs. She explains how her team uses dual-arm mobile manipulators to handle powders, solvents, and glassware, aiming to run experiments around the clock while minimizing human exposure to chemicals. Pizzuto highlights the shift from pre-programmed open-loop systems to robot learning, where AI-driven methods like Bayesian optimization guide chemical reactions based on sensor feedback. She also notes that while data interpretation is easier, the physical challenge of making robots robust enough to handle non-standardized materials in semi-cluttered lab environments remains significant.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=7) Introduction: Robot Talk and Patreon Support
- [2:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=134) Gabriella Pizzuto on Robotic Material Discovery
- [4:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=278) From Humanoids to Lab Automation
- [7:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=467) Open Loop vs. Robot Learning and Perception
- [10:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=638) General Purpose Robotics and Chemist Skills
- [12:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=767) Human-Robot Collaboration in Shared Lab Space
- [15:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=936) Data Interpretation vs. Physical Manipulation Challenges
- [17:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-11-15-episode-98-robotic-chemists-to-discover-new-materials-gabriella-pizzuto#t=1075) Applying Lab Robotics to Household Tasks

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Liverpool (company)
- ICOP humanoid robot (product)
- Edinburgh Centre for Robotics (company)
- Royal Academy of Engineering (company)

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- [Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of Commercial Innovation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-08-15-beyond-manufacturing-ai-powered-robotics-and-the-long-tail-of-commercial-innovat) (The Robot Report Podcast)
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## Citing this page

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