We recently launched our groundbreaking AI lab assistant for scientists, ELaiN. ELaiN is helping accelerate the pace of scientific research and drug discovery by reducing the number of manual, laborious tasks that scientists need to perform by putting AI in lab informatics tools.   

This intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and lab informatics is revolutionizing the way scientific research is conducted. To explain more about this revolutionary use of Large Language Models (LLM) within the lab, and the future of AI in science, we spoke to Sapio’s CEO, Kevin Cramer

See below for Kevin’s thoughts on the use of AI in lab informatics, LIMS software and Electronic Lab Notebook platforms, and what we’ve got in store for the future.  

How is Sapio Leading the Way in AI-Powered Lab Informatics?

Sapio has been at the forefront of integrating AI into lab informatics since its inception as a machine learning company in 2004. The company’s strategic shift towards lab informatics, coupled with our continuous innovation in AI, positions us as a leader in the field. Our focus on leveraging large language models and other AI advancements has resulted in products that not only streamline data management but also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific and healthcare research.

What is an AI Assistant for Scientists? 

The concept of an AI assistant for scientists is rapidly evolving, with Sapio’s AI tools setting new benchmarks. These assistants are designed to aid scientists in conducting experiments, managing datasets, and even in the creative aspects of scientific inquiry, such as designing experiments in silico. This significant reduction in manual effort accelerates research processes and improves decision-making, enabling scientists to achieve their objectives faster and more precisely.

What is Sapio ELaiN?

ELaiN, the Electronic Laboratory Artificially Intelligent Notebook, is Sapio’s innovative AI assistant embedded directly within our lab informatics platform. ELaiN goes beyond being a mere chat interface—It understands the intricacies of experiments, lab data, and lab operations, facilitating natural language interactions with scientists. This transformative tool is shaping the future of lab work by making data querying and experiment design as intuitive as speaking to a colleague.

What are the Benefits of Using ELaiN in Life Sciences R&D?

ELaiN revolutionizes the way scientists set up experiments and access historical data. With its ability to interpret natural language prompts and automate workflows and complex setup processes, ELaiN drastically reduces the time and effort scientists spend on administrative tasks. This efficiency allows researchers to dedicate more time to their primary objective: advancing scientific discovery.

How are AI Models Reshaping a Scientist’s Typical Day?

The integration of AI into lab informatics is transforming scientists’ daily routines. By automating tasks that were once manual and time-consuming, AI systems like ELaiN enable scientists to focus more on their research. This shift not only makes scientific inquiry more efficient but also opens up new possibilities for innovation and discovery.

Despite past skepticism, the current advancements in AI technologies, particularly in life sciences, are undeniable. Breakthroughs like the transformer neural network architecture have proven AI’s potential in fields like protein structure prediction. Sapio is at the forefront of applying these advancements to lab informatics, demonstrating that AI’s impact on science is not just theoretical but practical and significant.

How is ELaiN Different From Other Scientific AI Tools? 

What distinguishes Sapio ELaiN from other tools in the market is our unique approach to AI in lab informatics. By prioritizing the needs of scientists and continuously advancing their AI capabilities, we’re ensuring that our tools are not only innovative but also deeply aligned with the practical needs of scientific research.

How do you Protect Sensitive Data in ELaiN?

Data privacy and regulatory compliance are paramount in scientific research. Sapio addresses these concerns by offering customizable neural network solutions, ensuring that each client’s data remains private and secure. This commitment to privacy and security demonstrates Sapio’s understanding of the complex landscape in which scientific research operates.

What is the Future of AI in Lab Informatics?

There’s a couple of things we’re working on at Sapio that we can’t talk about yet, but we are committed to pushing the boundaries of AI algorithms in lab informatics. Our focus on rapid iteration and responsiveness to customer feedback means the capabilities of tools like ELaiN will only continue to expand, further transforming the landscape of scientific research.

What Will be the Impact of ELaiN on Scientific Research? 

ELaiN is not just a promise for the future; it’s a reality today, offering powerful tools for data management, data analysis, and experiment setup. As Sapio continues to refine and enhance ELaiN’s capabilities, its role in accelerating scientific discovery and making lab work more efficient is set to grow, marking a new era in lab informatics powered by AI.


To learn more about our AI lab assistant for scientists, take a look at the product page for ELaiN. Or you can contact us to get a demo of ELaiN in action!

You can also learn more about our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and our Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).