Tetsuwan Scientific Develops AI Robotics for Labs

Tetsuwan Scientific, a San Francisco-based startup founded by Cristian Ponce and Théo Schäfer, is developing AI-driven robotic scientists aimed at automating laboratory experiments. The company emerged from stealth mode in November 2023 after securing $2.7 million in seed funding and is currently collaborating with La Jolla Labs on RNA therapeutic drug development. The founders identified a gap in existing automation technologies, which focus on high-volume experiments rather than offering intelligent assistance, leading to inefficient lab practices. By integrating generative AI with flexible robotics, Tetsuwan aims to create systems that can independently conduct experiments, interpret results, and adapt to changing parameters without extensive manual programming. Their vision is for these AI scientists to fully automate the scientific method, thereby accelerating research and innovation in unprecedented ways. Tetsuwan has yet to release any public products but is advancing towards its goal of revolutionizing laboratory work.