Unlocking a new era for scientific discovery with AI: How Microsoft’s AI screened over 32 million candidates to find a better battery
Microsoft Azure Quantum BlogJan 09
Scientists have found a novel material that has the potential to reduce lithium use in batteries by up to 70% with the use of artificial antelligence (AI), as well as supercomputing.
On Tuesday, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory announced alongside Microsoft that their partnership had found a new type of solid-state electrolyte. Compared to current lithium-ion batteries, this substance may also reduce the likelihood of a battery catching fire.
Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI technology continues to lead the world to new scientific horizons and possibilities. The discovery of a new material that holds the potential to be used to create batteries that use vastly fewer resources is a major breakthrough. With a new era of science just getting started, the company's contributions to bettering humanity are just getting started.
The potential for artificial intelligence to progress scientific discoveries is undeniable, but given how quickly the technology is evolving, it might be a good idea for the government to impose the precautionary principle, which places the burden of proof on innovators to prove their work won't cause unintended future harm. This is a promising discovery, but more caution is warranted.
There's a 50% chance the first general AI system will be devised, tested, and publicly announced by April 2032, according to the Metaculus prediction community.