Excellent, very detailed episode by Steve Ruff (Mars Guy). I wish we had more access to the RP visualization tools (used by the rover drivers) that are shown off in this video.

I am however surprised that JPL allowed this use of the AI in the middle of a ripple field (you may wish to view a recent drive map to see what I mean - the AI drove on sols 1707 and 1709). The drive outcomes were good, and apparently the RPs are enthusiastic about the tool, but megaripples are a clear drive hazard for wheeled vehicles. I guess if they were going to run this experiment, they would do it when the rover was making moves purely for traversal to the next target-rich area, and not on science-oriented drives, like the last two.

… Of course this means that we’re now allowing AI to drive a state-of-the-art, nuclear-powered, laser-equipped planetary vehicle which is hunting for any and all signs of life in order to… identify them. I am of course terrified totally unconcerned.