A robotic surgeon will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
A robotic surgeon will be tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
Scientists in Nebraska - supported by NASA - have developed a robot called MIRA that will blast off into space in 2024 and will demonstrate that it is capable of cutting simulated tissue.
Boffins have claimed that robot could one day repair an astronaut's ruptured appendix and will become increasingly useful as the human race expands its space explorations.
Professor Shane Farritor, from the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said: "NASA has been a long-term supporter of this research and, as a culmination of that effort, our robot will have a chance to fly on the International Space Station."
The robot has two moveable prongs at the bottom and is able to both grasp and cut objects.
Professor Farritor added: "As people go further and deeper into space, they might need to do surgery someday. We're working toward that goal."