Statement of Work.docx.docx

Argonne National Laboratory Statement of Work Inert Atmosphere Robotic Platform 01/17/2025

1.0 Background

Polybot, an AI-driven robotic laboratory developed at CNM, has significantly advanced research by automating synthesis, processing, and characterization. Since 2022, it has supported diverse user proposals but remains limited in handling research requiring inert atmosphere environments. This capability is essential for fields like synthetic chemistry, materials science, battery development, and optoelectronics, where air-sensitive materials are critical.

The proposal seeks to address this limitation by incorporating an inert atmosphere robotic platform, leveraging advanced automation to explore new scientific frontiers.

2.0 Scope

The project involves designing, acquiring, and installing a modular inert atmosphere robotic platform within Polybot. The platform will enhance Polybot’s capabilities, allowing for precise handling and processing of air-sensitive materials in a contamination-free environment. It aims to support research in multiple domains, such as synthetic chemistry, photovoltaics, battery development, and catalysis, while integrating AI/ML approaches for advanced material discovery.

3.0 Objectives

Expand Polybot’s Capabilities: Enable handling of air-sensitive and highly reactive materials by integrating an inert atmosphere system.

Enhance Research Opportunities: Facilitate advanced studies in synthetic chemistry, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology.

Support AI/ML Integration: Develop workflows for AI-guided experiments in a controlled, inert environment.

Drive User Engagement: Attract and support diverse research proposals by providing a state-of-the-art tool.

Foster Cross-Group Collaboration: Leverage the expertise of multiple research teams to maximize the platform's potential.

4.0 Tasks

The following tasks are performed by the contractor awarded this contract:

Task 1: The contractor will procure the platform components. No refurbished or counterfeit parts may be used in any of the procured components.

Task 2: The contractor will install and integrate the robotic platform at the vendor’s site and perform a factory acceptance test.

Task 3: Disassemble the robotic platform as needed and ship it to Argonne National Laboratory.

Task 4: Install and integrate the robotic platform into the Polybot system in Lab B121 of Building 440, Argonne National Laboratory.

Task 5: Establish initial workflows and test the system’s performance (Complete a site/final acceptance test).

Task 6: Provide training to Argonne staff on the safe and effective use of the platform.

5.0 Deliverables:

· The current version of the software uses a Python user interface for full control of the experiment. While this works for a single-loop experiment, we need to integrate it with our existing software. Therefore, we require a Python API to control all the modules individually and to set the experimental conditions.

· This Python API version will be provided to us by the end of January 2025, as some safety checks are still pending.

· The tool will be assembled before it ships with verification that glovebox, robot, and software is working properly and provide the report to Argonne.

· There will be a site/final acceptance test and report at ANL with the verification that glovebox, robot, and software is working properly.

· Manuals, training, calibration certificate/maintenance (glovebox and robot), maintenance manual, spare parts will be included as deliverables.

· The platform need to deliver the following functionalities in the experimental workflow:

1. Atmosphere We need to be able to access the O2/H2O values of the glovebox with Python, so that we spin-coat the next sample after the atmosphere from the previous spin-coating has been purged, and enable glovebox purging

2. Solution preparation solution mixing, need shaking or stirring, vial caps opening system solution heating module

3. Blade coating organic semiconductor layer Blade height control.

Switch blade with different width Easy blade removal for cleaning and blade replacement spin coating

4. Annealing film

5. Coating electrolyte switch to larger blades for secondary layer coating

6. Electrical Measurement Two probes configurations based on the device Besides Keitheley, the probe need to switch between several device like Palmsens We need multiple probe positions (at least 4) with varying position placement (e.g. for 4pp, van der Pauw measurements) and independence of movement (e.g. can lift one probe separately if needed).