Intelligent CIO North America Issue 42 | Page 50

COUNTRY FOCUS : CANADA
for smart iterative experimentation with emphasis on important add-ons for chemistry and materials science . It enables a more systematic approach by providing recommendations for the next best experiment , leading to better results faster .
BayBE can also act as the ‘ brain ’ for automated equipment , enabling entirely closed-loop selfdriving laboratories . The traditional approach for design of experiments is largely based on intuition and experience of the experimentalist .
This can lead to considerable variation between different labs and is particularly challenging for complex campaigns that aim to optimize numerous properties simultaneously .
Merck faces these challenges on an every-day basis , for instance as part of experimental optimization campaigns in research , product development and operations . Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) enables novel ways of tackling these problems and reducing the time needed and money spent as well as increasing sustainability .
The BayBE software already powers dozens of usecases at Merck , for instance :
• VRP ExcipientFinder : Part of the viscosity reduction platform service of the Life Science business sector of Merck ; a tool to accelerate selection of viscosity reducing excipients
• BayChem : Self-service experimental planner available to everyone at Merck , directly enabling lab users
• Self-Driving autonomous flow chemistry at Merck : Closed-loop platform in the R & D of the Life Science business sector that optimizes chemical reactions fully autonomously
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