Humanoid robots perform surgery for first time in UC San Diego breakthrough test | Today’s news
In a major breakthrough in robotic medicine, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have successfully used teleoperated humanoid robots to perform surgery during a preclinical test. The achievement marks the first time humanoid robots have performed complete surgical procedures, potentially opening the door to a future where robots assist — or even perform — operations in hospitals, disaster areas and remote communities.
Here’s what happened and why it matters.
What did the researchers achieve?
UC San Diego scientists and surgeons have completed two successful surgeries using humanoid robots on large non-primate mammals.
-A human-robot team where a humanoid robot performed the gallbladder removal while a human surgeon assisted.
-A robot-robot team where two humanoid robots worked together to complete another operation.
The researchers described the trial as a proof of concept showing that humanoid robots can safely perform complex surgical tasks under human supervision.
How do these robots work?
Unlike autonomous robots, these machines are teleoperable, meaning that every movement is controlled by the surgeon remotely using specialized controllers.
The robot essentially mirrors the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, allowing human expertise to guide every step of the operation.
Researchers say the technology could eventually allow expert surgeons to operate on patients hundreds — or even thousands — of miles away.
Why are humanoid robots different?
Today’s robotic surgery systems, commonly found in advanced hospitals, are designed specifically for surgery.
Humanoid robots offer several advantages:
-They can walk and move like humans
-They can perform different types of tasks, not just surgery
– They can use conventional surgical instruments with minimal modifications
-They fit into existing operating theaters without major infrastructure changes
The robots used in the study, dubbed Surgie, are about 5 feet tall and weigh roughly 60 pounds, making them significantly smaller than conventional robotic surgery systems, which can weigh around 1,800 pounds.
Why is this important?
Scientists believe that humanoid robots could help solve one of health care’s biggest problems: the shortage of surgeons.
Many rural and underserved regions struggle to recruit specialists, resulting in:
-Reduced access to surgery
-Greater inequality in healthcare
By allowing experienced surgeons to operate remotely, hospitals in isolated areas can gain access to specialized procedures without needing a full surgical team on site.
This technology could also prove valuable in:
– Disaster relief
-Search and rescue missions
Are robots replacing surgeons?
No.
The researchers stress that the technology is meant to assist surgeons, not replace them.
Initially, humanoid robots are expected to:
– Help with operations
– Hold surgical instruments
-Helps with preparation and cleaning of operating rooms
Only later, as the technology matured, could they perform more complex procedures under constant human control.
What challenges remain?
Although the operations have been successful, the technology is still in its early stages.
The researchers identified several barriers:
The robots required repeated recalibration during surgery, making procedures significantly slower than existing robotic systems.
Small delays between the surgeon’s commands and the robot’s movements remain a problem, especially in long-distance operations.
Surgeries were performed on animals during a preclinical test. Human clinical trials will require extensive testing and regulatory approval before the technology can be widely adopted.
Why might humanoid robots be more practical?
Researchers say humanoid robots are more versatile than existing surgical systems.
Instead of being limited to one operation, they could:
-Assistance in various surgical fields
-Perform general hospital tasks
-Adapt to different healthcare environments
-Working in temporary or mobile health facilities
Because they resemble human workers, they can also integrate more naturally into existing hospital workflows.
The successful study represents an early but important milestone in robotic surgery.
The research team plans to improve:
– Remote control response
If future studies are successful, humanoid robots could eventually become routine assistants in operating rooms, helping surgeons provide specialized care to patients regardless of location.