Human-Like Robots Successfully Perform Surgeries on Large Animals in Pioneering Trial

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have conducted a groundbreaking experiment where two human-like robots completed surgeries on large animals for the first time. Published in the scientific journal Nature, the study involved two separate procedures: one where a robot assisted a human surgeon in removing a pig's gallbladder, and another where two robots operated side by side, each controlled by a different surgeon.

This early-stage research aimed to test whether general-purpose robots resembling humans in size and form could function effectively in operating rooms designed for human teams. Unlike existing robotic surgical systems, which are large, heavy, and require extensive structural modifications and training, these new robots are smaller, mobile, and potentially more cost-effective.

A major challenge was achieving the precision needed for surgery, as even slight hand tremors must be eliminated in the robot's movements. The surgeries took longer than those using established robotic equipment due to the need for recalibration and communication delays, which are especially critical when operating near vital organs. Future systems must detect faults instantly, halt operations if disconnected, and maintain stable control under difficult conditions.

The researchers envision multiple applications for this technology, including deployment in remote hospitals lacking specialist surgeons, on ships at sea, or in military facilities. A more ambitious goal is to use such robots for space missions, where immediate medical evacuation is impossible. However, this would require advanced automation and safety features to overcome communication delays.

Before human trials, extensive testing on reliability, sterilization, tactile feedback, response times, and fault tolerance is necessary. Regulatory frameworks must also address liability issues in case of malfunctions. While these robots are not expected to replace human surgeons soon, they currently serve as remote extensions allowing surgeons to operate from afar. This experiment suggests future operating rooms may revolve around multiple small, mobile robots working alongside humans rather than a single large machine.