Cross-posting a LinkedIn post (feel free to reshare to increase the visibility 
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Copying below for provenance as well:
What if a single robot arm could access 60 feet of bench space—without moving an inch? Either that’s a very long arm, or you flip the script and bring the equipment to the arm. That’s the idea behind a vertical lab built around an automated storage and retrieval system known as a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)—not to be confused with vision language models.
This idea first formed during my time at the Acceleration Consortium. With lab space tight during construction of the new NRC facility, I began thinking vertically. Watching Carvana’s “car vending machine” and reflecting on Japan’s compact ingenuity, I discovered industrial VLMs—automated towers that deliver trays from ceiling to operator. Then I learned: those trays could be powered. What if instruments for synthesis and characterization rode those shelves?
I ran a feasibility study to integrate VLMs into every floor of the AC’s new building, working with the architecture team to assess height, footprint, and safety. When Alan Aspuru-Guzik asked, “What’s the vibration like? Can you put equipment on this?”—I ran the tests myself. Early results were discouraging. Later, I became aware of belt-driven systems instead of chain-driven ones, and the difference was dramatic. Demonstrations showed trays stable enough to carry a glass of wine without spilling, and our own formal vibration studies—using both a vibrometer and a microscope—showed results consistent with that level of stability. Even a live optical microscope feed (40×) stayed perfectly in focus while moving.
The idea is back.
And this time, it moves smoothly.
As I transition to Brigham Young University, I’m making this a core focus. The Vertical Cloud Lab @ BYU will explore vertically enabled self-driving labs for autonomous discovery of 3D-printed aerospace alloys and autonomous electrochemistry for energy applications. We’ll also focus on replicability and education, building systems that can be easily implemented in other labs.
We’re collaborating with Dr. Florian Shkurti (U of T Computer Science) on robotic task-planning and scheduling, and with Dr. Yu Zou (U of T MSE) and Ph.D. student Ajay Talbot on metal 3D printing.
If you’re interested in vertical automation, self-driving labs, or autonomous materials discovery, let’s connect. I’ll be sharing more at MRS Spring 2025 in Boston: “Towards an Autonomous Vertical Cloud Lab for Additively Manufactured Aerospace Alloys.”
For centuries, traditional laboratories have been built for humans at waist height. The future of self-driving labs is vertical.
I’d love to hear people’s thoughts on this concept.