Automation Open House | May 19, 2026

Presentations & Speakers

Closing the loop in high-throughput solubility screenings

Dimitrios Chatzinikolis Robotics Engineer IV Takeda
Biography: Dimitrios Chatzinikolis is a robotics engineer specializing in lab automation and high-throughput experimentation. A graduate of MIT with a dual masters degree in EECS and Design Computation, he sits at the intersection of physical science and computer science. Dimitrios is driven by the conviction that the future of discovery isn't just about faster robots, but about better-designed experimental architectures. He is currently focused on building the autonomous labs that will define the next generation of scientific breakthroughs as part of Takeda's Synthetic Molecule Process Development (SMPD) department.


Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Covalent Organic Frameworks Using Large Language Models and High-throughput Robotics

Kaiyu Wang, PhD Postdoctoral Scholar UC Berkeley, Department of Chemistry
Biography: Kaiyu Wang is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley working with Prof. Omar M. Yaghi. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, where his dissertation, Data-Driven Reticular Chemistry in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, focused on the intersection of AI, laboratory automation, and reticular materials. His work develops and studies covalent organic frameworks (COFs), combining synthesis and characterization with data-driven approaches to understand and optimize structure–property relationships in porous materials. He is also interested in leveraging large language models to accelerate synthesis design and improve crystallinity outcomes in COF discovery. Kaiyu has co-authored papers in journals including Science, Nature, and JACS.


Toward the Automation of Drug Discovery Chemistry

Kaori Sasaki Scientist Daiichi Sankyo
Abstract: We have developed an end-to-end automated synthesis platform to accelerate drug discovery chemistry, integrating synthesis, workup, purification, analysis, and concentration into a unified workflow. Central to this system is the Unchained Labs Big Kahuna, which acts as an integration hub, enabling seamless coordination with third-party instruments across the workflow. In this presentation, we will describe the design of this platform and its role in enabling a data-driven DMTA cycle. Through real project examples, we highlight the automation of complex steps such as purification and analysis, as well as the translation of human decision-making into automated processes. This integrated approach increases experimental throughput and allows researchers to focus more on molecular design and interpretation. This talk is intended for a broad audience, from researchers considering automation to those actively developing and scaling automated laboratory platforms.

Biography: Kaori Sasaki is a Scientist at Daiichi Sankyo, where she applies lab automation to accelerate drug discovery using the Unchained Labs Big Kahuna platform. She holds a Master's degree in Organic Synthesis from Tokai University Graduate School. Her foundation in synthetic chemistry continues to inform her approach to automated experimentation. Prior to joining Daiichi Sankyo, Kaori spent approximately five years at Unchained Labs as a Field Automation Scientist, where she gained deep expertise in automation workflows and hands-on experience supporting scientists across a wide range of applications. She is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional synthetic chemistry and modern automated platforms to drive more efficient and innovative drug discovery.


High Throughput Experimentation for Data Driven Synthetic Methodology

Brandon Jolly, PhD Research and Development Engineer UCLA, High Throughput Synthesis and Catalysis Facility, Molecular Instrumentation Center
Biography: Brandon Jolly is a research & development engineer in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at UCLA specializing in high throughput experimentation and chromatography. He received his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at UCLA under Prof. Chong Liu working on spatial control for multi-step organometallic catalysis, where he first gained exposure to data driven experimentation. Upon graduating, he began working with Prof. Abigail Doyle to develop the High Throughput Synthesis & Catalysis Facility (HTSC) at UCLA. Equipped with two Unchained Labs Juniors for reaction screening, the HTSC aims to leverage high throughput automation capabilities to support the diverse research projects ongoing in the department in making data-driven decisions.


Stay tuned for more speakers and topics!

We look forward to seeing you on May 19^th!

Unchained Labs Automation Open House!

Learn about our automation solutions for small molecules, chemistry, materials & energy, biologics and more

Join us at the Automation Open House!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Unchained Labs Pleasanton • 4747 Willow Rd, Pleasanton, California 94588

Presentations & Speakers