Google-NASA AI robot doctor to help crews on Mars missions
The experimental AI robot doctor would fetch gear and back crew medics when Earth–Mars radio delays stretch to about 44 minutes round trip.
Google and NASA are developing an AI-powered robot to help astronauts with medical and daily tasks on future Moon and Mars missions.
Early laboratory tests found the system located and moved a medical bag successfully in about 85% of attempts.
Earth–Mars messages can take up to 44 minutes round trip, delaying ground medical advice in an emergency.
The robot would follow spoken commands, fetch equipment such as an ultrasound machine, and not make treatment decisions on its own.
No launch date has been announced; partners include Google Cloud, NASA’s Human Research Program, Johnson Space Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.