This robotic lab builds experiments on demand

MIT engineers have built a robotic optics lab that builds, runs, and dismantles an optics experiment, on demand. The setup centers on a robotic arm that physically arranges mirrors, lenses, and other optical components that are each set in custom-designed, QR-encoded housings. The robot arranges each component in precise alignments to direct and focus a beam of light (red laser). The autonomous system could speed up testing of high-tech materials, from solar cells and sensors to video displays and quantum technologies. This video is sped up 2x. (Learn more: https://news.mit.edu/2026/robotic-lab-runs-optics-experiments-on-demand-0917)

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