Me, Myself, and AI cover image

Me, Myself, and AI

AI on Mars: NASA’s Vandi Verma

Dec 19, 2023
Vandi Verma, chief engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses the opportunities for AI in robotics and automation on Mars. She explains how AI is used in digital twin simulations for practicing driving skills before controlling rovers. Verma explores the similarities between risk decisions in Mars exploration and autonomous driving, highlighting the importance of simulations. She also addresses the potential and misconceptions surrounding AI, personal aspirations, challenges in neural networks, limitations of AI in space exploration, and lessons applicable to other areas.
26:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • AI enables Mars rovers to navigate autonomously and perform tasks like image analysis and instrument operations.
  • Collaboration between humans and AI, along with gradual training and risk management, is crucial for successful Mars missions and other fields employing AI.

Deep dives

Use of AI in Robotics at JPL and NASA

Vandy Verma, chief engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses how AI is used in robotics for Mars missions. They explain that AI has transformed autonomous capabilities, allowing the rover to navigate autonomously on the Martian terrain. AI is used in various aspects, such as autonomous driving, image analysis, and instrument operations. Verma mentions the super cam instrument, which uses AI to identify the most interesting features in the environment for further investigation. The discussion also highlights the importance of training and simulation to prepare for the unique challenges of Mars exploration.

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