Google is building NASA a robot doctor for use on future deep space missions

Google and NASA are collaborating on a robotic medical assistant to aid astronauts on deep-space missions. The robot, still in experimental stages, could assist astronauts with routine medical duties and equipment management during emergencies when communication delays make direct Earth-based medical assistance impractical. With round-trip communication delays potentially reaching 44 minutes, onboard medical resources will become increasingly vital for lunar and Mars missions.

The robot would retrieve medical equipment, prepare it for use, and even help position necessary tools for examinations while astronauts oversee the process. Current laboratory tests have demonstrated an 85% success rate in equipment retrieval tasks, but the system remains far from autonomous medical procedures. Google Cloud, NASA's Human Research Program, Johnson Space Center's robotics team, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are working together to develop this versatile payload handler that can manage cargo, logistics, and equipment when medical assistance is not required.

The ultimate goal is to create a robotic system that can execute various tasks via simple voice instructions, with astronauts providing direct supervision and command.