Introduction
In a significant development for the life sciences sector, MGI Tech's subsidiary, Genoria AI, has partnered with the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to unveil two pioneering solutions: ProtoPilot and BioLab Bench. These innovations aim to bridge the longstanding gap between digital intelligence and practical applications in biological research. With these tools, the quest for more intelligent and effective life science experimentation may take a transformative leap forward.
The Launch of ProtoPilot
ProtoPilot is not just another AI tool; it is a self-evolving multi-agent system designed to seamlessly integrate into laboratory workflows. This system enhances the entire experimental lifecycle by effectively managing multiple phases from design to execution. What sets ProtoPilot apart is its unique ability to learn from failures. For instance, when an assembly step failed during antibiotic resistance screening, ProtoPilot autonomously diagnosed the problem and regenerated the protocol, showcasing its capability to improve and adapt in real-time.
Notably, ProtoPilot has achieved an impressive score of 52.38% on ProtocolQA, a widely recognized benchmark for evaluating AI reasoning in experimental settings—nearly reaching expert-level performance, with human experts scoring at 54%.
Introducing BioLab Bench
Alongside ProtoPilot, the company also rolled out BioLab Bench, the first comprehensive evaluation framework in the industry for assessing AI agents in life sciences. Unlike conventional evaluation systems that focus solely on generating correct answers, BioLab Bench measures an agent's ability to execute real-world tasks using actual laboratory equipment. This innovative feature establishes an industry standard for evaluating the practical capabilities of AI in life sciences.
Key features of BioLab Bench include:
- - Real-World Task Coverage: It encompasses everything from basic operations to complex multi-step workflows, categorized across three difficulty levels (L1 to L3).
- - Full-Chain Assessment: Instead of merely checking for plausible output, BioLab Bench evaluates the entire process—from intent recognition to protocol design and execution verification.
- - Cross-Device Transferability: The system can be deployed across various automated laboratory platforms, effectively assessing whether an AI agent can adapt its understanding and execution to different hardware configurations.
The Future: 7×24 Unattended Smart Laboratories
The development of ProtoPilot and BioLab Bench signifies a new era for labs, where BioAgents will no longer be limited to text-based training. By leveraging what they call the Physical AI experimental loop, these agents will continually accumulate hands-on research data, automation experiences, expert feedback, and insights gained from experimentation failures. This wealth of information will enable the creation of fully autonomous intelligent laboratories that can operate continuously, representing a major shift in operational efficiency.
A Decade of AI Exploration
MGI's commitment to integrating AI into biological research dates back to 2019. A crucial milestone in this journey was the publication of their paper introducing 'PrimeGen' in 2025. PrimeGen laid the groundwork for a dry-wet collaborative system that facilitated integration of protocol design, experimental testing, and automated workstation execution. In 2026, MGI officially established Genoria AI to concentrate its resources on advancing AI in science.
According to Dr. Yang Meng, the Chief AI Officer and current CEO of Genoria AI, this initiative distinguishes itself from other leading AI firms by emphasizing a different approach that combines real-world applications with advanced AI algorithms. "While many companies focus on scaling computational power, we prioritize agent-based learning and closed-loop data management to enhance the capabilities of our AI systems," he stated.
Conclusion
As MGI Tech and the Shanghai AI Laboratory forge ahead with innovations like ProtoPilot and BioLab Bench, the life sciences industry stands on the brink of a revolution. With their combined innovations, they are not only introducing tools that improve the efficiency and accuracy of biological research but are also paving the way towards a future where AI seamlessly collaborates with humans in the laboratory setting. As these technologies continue to evolve, the potential for breakthroughs in science and healthcare appears boundless.