For the first time in history, humanoid robots performed surgery on living animals

Humanoid robots remotely controlled by surgeons successfully completed laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery on pigs. This operation, a first in history, showed that humanoid robots can be a reliable assistant in surgery. A team of engineers and surgeons at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) tested the effectiveness of two-legged humanoid robots in operating rooms.

In the study published in the journal Nature, it was noted that humanoid robots can support surgeons in complex operations. While fixed robotic systems such as "da Vinci" have been used in laparoscopic surgery for a long time, in this study, a humanoid robot was on the operating table for the first time. Researchers first tested the robots' fine motor skills and ability to use surgical equipment on inanimate objects.

The robots, which successfully passed the tests, were later included in closed gallbladder surgery performed on anesthetized pigs. The robot was managed by a surgeon at the remote control console, and was assisted by another doctor at the operating table. A second humanoid robot was also included in the process for a short time during the operation, and both surgeries were completed successfully.

UCSD surgeon Dr. managed the surgery from the console. Ryan Broderick reported that working with the humanoid robot offers an experience very similar to existing robotic surgery systems. Stating that the device increases surgical precision and reduces surgeon fatigue, Broderick stated that the system can be used safely despite slight signal delays that can be seen in concept models.

Dr. Shanglei Liu emphasized that it took decades for the first robotic surgery platforms to reach the level of live animal surgery, but this project went from idea to implementation in just nine months. Liu stated that the pace of development of technology will increase exponentially. It is stated that humanoid robots, which take up less space and can be easily transported compared to traditional robotic surgery systems, can offer remote surgery opportunities in regions where there is a shortage of specialist physicians. Experts evaluate that these robots, which can be controlled remotely, can play a critical role in dangerous areas, settlements with limited medical facilities and even space missions.