The Test Bed: Toward a Network of Programmable Cloud Laboratories (PCL Test Bed) program supports the creation of a network of distributed, remotely accessible laboratory facilities designed to advance autonomous experimentation. These facilities, called Programmable Cloud Laboratory Nodes (PCL Nodes), will be connected through shared science questions, computational networking, and common data and AI standards.

The program’s purpose is to accelerate research and strengthen U.S. competitiveness by enabling automated, AI-driven laboratory workflows. These workflows span the full research cycle, from experiment design and preparation to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. While small-scale efforts have shown promise, this initiative seeks to overcome challenges such as infrastructure access, interoperability, and consistent practices for experimental data and AI use.

Proposals must be guided by clear science drivers that are positioned to benefit significantly from PCL capabilities. Relevant areas include materials science, biotechnology, chemistry, and related disciplines. Examples include materials synthesis and characterization, scalable biotechnology workflows, and high-throughput catalyst development.

Managing Unit: VPDoR