Synthetic intelligence and computing technologies are increasingly pervasive in our daily lives, playing vital roles in various applications such as developing new medications, responding to inquiries (sometimes inaccurately), and serving as personal digital assistants. Given sufficient time, these technologies have the potential to permeate every aspect of our existence, encompassing empathy and information retrieval. Meet M3GAN, an innovative Model 3 conceptual iPhone designed to be your ultimate companion.
The most recent advancement in artificial intelligence robotics, poised for a mission to the Red Planet, is a result of M3GAN’s initial trial turning tragic. Researchers, led by Jun Jiang at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, unveiled an AI-powered machine capable of generating oxygen from Alien elements. This groundbreaking discovery was published in the prestigious Nature Production journal.
Unveiling the Process of Generating Oxygen from Martian Soil
As we progress towards human space exploration, there is a significant focus on utilizing indigenous resources at our eventual destinations. The ability to source or synthesize essential elements on celestial bodies like the Moon or Mars eliminates the need to transport supplies from Earth. Among these resources, none are more critical than oxygen.
The AI-driven robotic chemist, resembling a large sideways box akin to an upright refrigerator with a mechanical arm, was tasked with analyzing Martian samples provided by experts. Through a series of chemical analyses involving acid and alkali, the machine identified an oxygen-evolution catalyst capable of liberating oxygen from water among 3.7 million potential combinations. Remarkably, the entire process—from preparing Martian materials to catalyst synthesis, testing, and optimizing the formula—was autonomously executed by the machine without external assistance.
According to estimates by the research team, one square meter of Martian soil could potentially yield 60 grams of oxygen per hour. While NASA’s Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) aboard the Perseverance rover has already demonstrated oxygen production from Martian air, the significance of additional oxygen generation mechanisms for extraterrestrial missions cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, the AI-powered robotic chemist’s versatility extends beyond oxygen production, enabling the synthesis of various catalysts and compounds using available materials. Its strength lies in the ability to navigate pathways towards desired compounds utilizing accessible resources, akin to a professional chef crafting a meal from pantry leftovers. With an abundance of water ice and Martian regolith, Mars presents an opportunity to generate ample breathable air, provided the guidance of an artificially intelligent mechanical chemist remains benevolent.
As we venture further into the realm of space exploration, the prospect of leveraging advanced technologies like AI-driven robotic chemists offers a glimpse into a future where self-sustaining missions are within reach, contingent upon the ethical and operational integrity of these intelligent systems.
