AI-powered robot labs slash protein-synthesis costs, but humans still needed
A collaboration between OpenAI and Ginkgo Bioworks used a GPT-5–driven autonomous lab to optimize cell-free protein synthesis, achieving a 40% further cost reduction beyond a human-led record and testing more than 30,000 conditions in six months. While the approach shows promise, current robots still lack dexterity for bespoke or tissue-related experiments, meaning human biologists’ expertise remains essential for future breakthroughs.