Humanoid Robots Perform First-Ever Successful Surgery

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have used teleoperated humanoid robots to complete two surgeries in a preclinical trial, marking a major step toward robotic assistance in the operating room.

In one procedure, a human-robot team completed a gallbladder removal with a humanoid robot working alongside a human surgeon.

In another, two humanoid robots worked together in a robot-robot team to perform a second successful surgery. Both operations took place on large non-primate mammals.

The researchers said the experiment shows that humanoid robots could first assist surgeons and later carry out procedures under teleoperation.

They said the technology could help address surgeon shortages, reduce wait times, and improve access to care in remote and under-resourced areas.

Unlike specialized surgical robots, humanoid robots can move freely, take up less space, and perform a wider range of tasks.

The robots used in the study, nicknamed Surgie, stand about five feet tall and weigh about 60 pounds. Researchers said that makes them easier to deploy in hospitals, rural settings, disaster zones, and other challenging environments.

Study authors said the robots still need improvements, especially in calibration and latency, but they believe the technology will advance quickly.

They also said humanoid robots could eventually help fetch tools, clean operating rooms, and support surgical teams as autonomous assistants.