ATLANTA — Georgia Tech is launching a new high-tech cloud laboratory designed to allow researchers to work remotely, refine experiments and access advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The new cloud lab will allow researchers to submit their experiments virtually. Experts at the facility will conduct the experiments and provide researchers with the results.

“The overall goal is to reduce the time and cost that it takes to discover a new material and qualify it to make a component,” Dr. Aaron Stebner said.

Stebner says the cloud lab could dramatically reduce the amount of time and money required for research, potentially paving the way for advancements in areas including manufacturing, electronics and medicine.

“From what is currently often 6 to 10 years, and at least tens of millions of dollars, down to a few weeks to a few months, and tens of thousands of dollars,” Stebner said.

The lab will also allow researchers to avoid spending weeks on-site learning how to use specialized equipment before they can begin collecting useful data.

“It might take a person three, four, or five weeks of training just to be able to do one piece of work that returns valuable data or correct data. By having all of this pre-programmed and programmable on demand, all of that burden is removed,” Stebner said.

The lab is supported by an $18 million grant from the National Science Foundation and is part of an effort to form a national network of cloud labs at 20 sites across the country.

“It’s going to become a national resource,” Stebner said.

While access is currently restricted to researchers, Georgia Tech’s long-term goal is to expand access to the technology beyond academic use.

“The hobbyist working in his garage that wants to know how to make something and what to make it from for a new idea they have could also benefit from it,” Stebner said.

WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.