Beijing's first AI-powered "lights-out" laboratory for market regulation has recently begun operations in Pinggu District.

A "lights-out" laboratory does not literally operate in the dark. Instead, the entire testing process runs automatically around the clock without the need for on-site human supervision. After technicians preset the testing procedures on computers, robotic equipments carry out every step automatically with AI-powered scheduling inside the laboratory—from sample weighing and preparation to laboratory analysis.

At present, the laboratory tests key food safety indicators, including pesticide residues, across a wide range of products such as fresh agricultural produce, pre-packaged foods and other products. All testing procedures are fully traceable, and all data are protected against tampering, enabling a fully automated workflow of "sample in, result out" with no manual intervention. The automatically generated test reports are uploaded directly to the food and drug safety early warning platform of the Pinggu District Administration for Market Regulation and sent to law enforcement officers simultaneously. Upon receiving the alerts, enforcement officers will conduct on-site inspections and take appropriate actions. Any substandard goods with excessive pesticide residues or other safety issues will be immediately removed from shelves, and investigated in accordance with the law.

Since it was commissioned in July 2026, the laboratory has been capable of processing about 100 food samples a day. Looking ahead, the laboratory will further expand its testing capabilities to cover veterinary drug residues, food additives, heavy metals, and microorganisms, strengthening technology-driven food safety oversight.

(Source: Beijing Daily)