Image Courtesy: UC San Diego
Doctors have successfully completed two surgical procedures using remotely operated humanoid robots, marking what researchers describe as a world first. The proof-of-concept study involved gallbladder removal surgeries on large, non-primate mammals, demonstrating that compact humanoid robots could one day expand access to life-saving medical care in places where traditional surgical systems are unavailable.
The research, led by engineers and surgeons at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego), tested two different surgical setups. One procedure was carried out by a humanoid robot working alongside a human assistant, while the second relied on two humanoid robots operating together. The findings were published in the journal Nature.
Unlike conventional robotic surgical systems, which can weigh more than 1,800 pounds and require specially equipped operating rooms, the humanoid robots, nicknamed “Surgie,” stand about five feet tall and weigh roughly 60 pounds. Researchers say their smaller size, lower cost, and adaptability could make them practical for hospitals in rural communities, disaster zones, military settings, and even future space missions.
To perform the procedures, the team designed custom adapters that allowed the robots to use standard surgical instruments. Despite the experimental setup, surgeons reported that controlling the robots remotely felt surprisingly intuitive. UC San Diego surgeon Nikita Thareja said the robots integrated well into the existing surgical workspace and workflow.
The system is still in its early stages. Researchers noted that the robots required multiple recalibrations during surgery, making the operations slower than those performed with established robotic platforms. Communication delays between the operator and the robots also remain a technical challenge that must be addressed before the technology is ready for clinical use.
Even so, the team is optimistic. They point to the evolution of robotic laparoscopic surgery, which initially took around six hours to complete but now often requires only about 30 minutes thanks to years of refinement.
Beyond performing surgeries, researchers envision future humanoid robots assisting surgeons by retrieving instruments, preparing operating rooms, and cleaning up after procedures. Ultimately, the team hopes to develop autonomous robotic surgical assistants that can work alongside medical professionals, helping address global shortages of trained surgical staff and expanding access to critical healthcare.
