Medical emergency on Mars? AI may be able to help

US scientist: It could potentially give advice on treatment, predict mental health state

American scientist Kim Binsted, who is the principal investigator of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, a long-duration Mars simulation habitat, says there are many ways artificial intelligence can play a role in space exploration, i
American scientist Kim Binsted, who is the principal investigator of the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation, a long-duration Mars simulation habitat, says there are many ways artificial intelligence can play a role in space exploration, including troubleshooting technical problems. PHOTO: KIM BINSTED/TWITTER
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When someone has a medical emergency, it is easy to call an ambulance or seek medical advice almost immediately.

But what if you were stationed on planet Mars, which is so deep into space that communication lags mean that a single message takes an average of 20 minutes to reach Earth?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 31, 2020, with the headline Medical emergency on Mars? AI may be able to help. Subscribe