Challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into testing laboratories

Abstract

Research Question (RQ): How do testing laboratories use artificial intelligence (AI) and what challenges arise from the use of AI tools?

Purpose: To investigate the use of AI in Slovenian and Croatian testing laboratories, to analyse the impact of the complexity of measurement methods and equipment and to predict trends in this area.

Method: A questionnaire was developed for the study. Representatives of 125 randomly selected testing laboratories in Slovenia and Croatia performing accreditation activities according to SIST EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 were invited to participate. In addition to descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse the data.

Results: 44 laboratories responded. The survey shows that most testing laboratories expect increased use of AI tools in the future and that laboratory staff recognise the benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy and error reduction. However, according to the participants, the use of AI in Slovenian and Croatian laboratories is still limited due to the lack of qualified personnel, technical limitations and high initial costs. Laboratories that have more sophisticated measuring equipment perceive AI tools differently than laboratories that do not operate such equipment. The challenge for the future is to use AI to improve the quality of laboratory services, increase efficiency, improve progress and limit costs.

Organisation: The use of AI enables the development of new business models based on the automation and digitalisation of laboratory processes. Research enables organisations to better understand and exploit the potential of AI.

Society: For society, research can bring many benefits that improve the quality of life, promote economic and technological development and contribute to sustainable development and progress.

Originality: The research topic is unexplored in Slovenia and Croatia, and even in the international environment such concrete research is still quite limited.

Limitations / further research: Only a limited number of Slovenian and Croatian testing laboratories were included in the study, which could limit the generalization of the conclusions at the global level. It would make sense to carry out further research in a wider geographical area. As well as focus further research on determining the economic impact of using AI in laboratories, on determining the effectiveness and reliability of measurements, on studies to identify long-term research opportunities, the development of analytical methods using AI, a more in-depth analysis of differences between laboratories taking into account AI approaches and the analysis of cultural, economic and regulatory factors.