The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is increasingly focused on accelerating materials science through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, a trend spurred by the slowing pace of materials discovery despite its critical role in technological advancement. This push aims to replicate the rapid innovation seen in fields like microelectronics, where improvements in silicon processing fueled a $600 billion industry, and is projected to double in size by 2030.
For decades, materials science has been a key driver of economic growth. However, the sheer number of potential materials necessitates extensive experimentation, a process traditionally conducted manually. Innovations in AI and robotics offer a pathway to automate experimentation and accelerate the search for novel materials, utilizing “foundation AI models for science research” and “self-driving labs.”
This effort draws inspiration from science fiction concepts that are steadily transitioning into reality. Engineers are actively developing technologies mirroring those seen in popular films and television, including powered exoskeletons reminiscent of Iron Man’s armor. Companies like Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation and Lockheed Martin are building battery-powered suits designed to reduce strain on industrial workers and soldiers during heavy lifting, though sustained flight capabilities remain in the experimental phase.
The fictional “tricorder” from Star Trek, a multifunction diagnostic scanner, is also inspiring real-world development. NASA and Apple have sponsored competitions for such devices, and companies like Butterfly Network now produce portable ultrasound scanners compatible with smartphones. These scanners aim to provide instant analysis of environments and medical conditions, mirroring the tricorder’s capabilities.
Beyond diagnostics, researchers are pursuing technologies based on other fictional devices. Prototypes of hoverboards, similar to the one featured in Back to the Future Part II, have been created using magnetic levitation and superconducting technology, such as the Hendo board by Arx Pax and a Lexus magnetic prototype. While current iterations are limited to operation over conductive surfaces, they demonstrate the potential for levitating personal transport.
The holographic displays of Star Wars are also being replicated through volumetric displays and projection systems. ARHT Media produces holographic telepresence systems, and academic labs are exploring light-field displays to create true 3D images viewable from multiple angles. These technologies aim to recreate the lifelike, screenless holographic communication seen in the films.
Advances in AI are also enabling breakthroughs in areas like real-time language translation, bringing Douglas Adams’ “Babel Fish” closer to reality. Companies like Google and Timekettle have released wearable translators that provide near-instantaneous speech conversion between languages. Scientists are exploring acoustic levitation to manipulate small particles using sound waves, potentially leading to touchless interfaces inspired by the vibranium sand interfaces in Black Panther. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have demonstrated systems capable of trapping and arranging particles in midair.
Modular robotics, exemplified by the self-assembling robots in Transformers, are also under development. Researchers at MIT have created M-Blocks, cube-shaped robots that apply magnets and internal flywheels to connect and form larger, functional systems. These modular robots demonstrate the potential for autonomous assembly into different structures.
According to a recent policy brief, a competitive bidding process or collaborative partnerships with private firms are considered optimal for constructing government-funded labs dedicated to this research, given the concentration of expertise in robotics, AI, and materials science outside the federal government. The DOE is positioned to lead this effort due to its expertise in supercomputing, AI, and its network of National Laboratories.