NASA, Google test AI-powered medical robot for deep space missions
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
ByGrace Dille,
Technology Reporter, Nextgov/FCW
October 28, 2026 12:16 PM ET
The proof-of-concept system could help astronauts handle medical needs and routine tasks on future missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA is testing an artificial intelligence-powered robotic system that could help astronauts with routine maintenance and medical support without waiting for instructions from mission control.
NASA’s Human Research Program, Johnson Space Center Robotics Team and Jet Propulsion Laboratory collaborated with Google Public Sector to develop the system.
Under its Artemis program, NASA will send astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon, followed by missions to Mars.
According to a Tuesday blog post from Google, an astronaut on a future deep space mission to Mars could face round-trip communication latencies of up to 44 minutes, making autonomous support for medical needs increasingly important.
“Researchers...
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