An AI-powered robot has successfully performed gallbladder removal surgeries on pigs, raising hopes for robot-led surgeries on humans in the next decade.
Developed at Johns Hopkins University, the robotic arm used tools to cut, clip, and remove soft tissue. It completed the procedure eight times with 100% success, each in just over five minutes. The robot had learned by watching videos of human surgeons.
Researchers said the robot worked slower than human doctors but was more precise, with smoother movements and shorter transitions between steps. It also adjusted tools for different anatomy and corrected its own mistakes.
“This is a major step towards fully autonomous robotic surgery,” said Axel Krieger, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins.
Experts from the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK called the results promising. Dr. John McGrath, chair of NHS England’s robotics steering committee, said the future could see robots doing most simple surgeries, with surgeons supervising multiple operations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also said robotic surgery is key to reducing NHS waiting times.
However, scientists caution that more testing is needed on live human bodies to manage real-life challenges like breathing, bleeding, and fluid interference during surgery.
