Roche Begins Building Autonomous AI Laboratories for Drug Research

Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche is developing laboratories designed to use artificial intelligence to automate parts of scientific research and drug discovery.

The company announced the plans during its 2026 pharmaceutical investor day, saying it has already started building autonomous AI-driven laboratories.

AI Moves Into the Laboratory

Roche said the new laboratories are intended to combine artificial intelligence with physical laboratory equipment so that parts of the research process can be performed with less direct human intervention.

The goal is to accelerate research and development by allowing AI systems to help plan experiments, analyze results and guide subsequent laboratory work.

From Computer Models to Physical Experiments

AI has already been used in pharmaceutical research to analyze biological data and identify potential drug candidates. Roche’s approach goes a step further by connecting AI systems with physical laboratory processes.

Aviv Regev, executive vice president of Genentech Research and Early Development, said Roche is working toward greater “AI independence” in its research and development operations.

Potential Impact on Drug Discovery

Drug development can require years of laboratory research and testing. Roche believes autonomous laboratory systems could help researchers perform experiments more efficiently and generate results that can be used to guide the next stage of research.

However, the technology remains under development. AI-generated research still requires scientific validation, laboratory testing and human oversight before discoveries can be used in medicines.

A Growing Role for AI in Science

Roche’s plans reflect a broader effort by pharmaceutical companies to use AI throughout the drug-development process.

The company says its autonomous laboratories are intended to complement scientists rather than eliminate the need for human researchers. Scientists will continue to design research strategies, evaluate results and make decisions about potential medicines.

Sources

• Reuters — “Roche outlines plans to move towards autonomous AI labs” — September 28, 2026
• Roche — 2026 Pharma Investor Day materials — September 28, 2026