Google and NASA develop AI robot for lunar and Mars missions

Google Public Sector and NASA are collaborating to develop an autonomous physical robot designed to support astronauts during long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. The project aims to enhance crew autonomy and reduce human workload by addressing the communication delays and medical challenges inherent in deep space travel.

The robot is designed to perform various tasks, including general payload handling, organizing tools, and securing equipment. A key feature is its ability to assist in medical scenarios: for instance, if an astronaut requires an ultrasound due to suspected kidney stones, the robot can retrieve and prepare the necessary diagnostic equipment, allowing the medical officer to focus on patient care.

Technical development involves NASA’s Human Research Program, Johnson Space Center, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To ensure safety and precision, researchers used Google DeepMind’s MuJoCo for physical simulations. Initial laboratory tests using the Pi0 model achieved an 85 percent success rate in pick-and-place tasks. The system is being optimized to run on low-power edge devices, ensuring functionality in space without constant reliance on Earth-based data centers.