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The researchers behind the breakthrough say these humanoid robots could offer several advantages over the complex surgical systems currently in use.
Humanoid-style robot performs surgery for the first time, marking a potential turning point in the relationship between robotics and healthcare. Working alongside surgeons from the University of California San Diego, a robot named Surgie successfully removed a gallbladder. In another operation, “Surgie” was joined by another robot also dubbed “Surgie” to work alongside one another to perform a laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Both procedures were performed on non-primate mammals, The Independent reports.
“This study shows that humanoid robots have a viable future in the field of surgery,” said Michael Yip, a faculty member in the UC San Diego Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.,” said to The Independent. “Remotely operated and autonomous humanoid robots have real potential for amplifying access to critical surgeries to which patients would otherwise not have access. This can help address the healthcare crisis not only in the United States, but also worldwide.”