In a world first, two humanoid robots have successfully carried out surgery in an operating theatre, remotely steered by surgeons. The landmark procedure took place at the University of California San Diego, according to the BBC's Tech Life programme.
The robots, shaped like humans, stood holding equipment as they performed the operation, guided in real time by surgeons located elsewhere. The achievement marks the first time such robotic surgery has been conducted in a live theatre setting, opening the door to remote procedures that could transform access to surgical care.
“Humanoid robots remotely controlled by surgeons have performed surgery in an operating theatre for the first time.”
An expert involved in the procedure spoke to Tech Life about the milestone, though details of the specific operation—such as the type of surgery or the patients involved—were not disclosed in the programme. The episode, presented by Shiona McCallum and produced by Tom Quinn, aired on 14 July 2026.
The success of the remotely controlled humanoid robots raises questions about the future of surgery, particularly in rural or conflict zones where specialist surgeons are scarce. While robotic-assisted surgery is not new, this is the first time full-sized humanoid robots have been used in an operating theatre under direct human control, rather than as pre-programmed tools.
The development was the lead story on this week's edition of Tech Life, which also featured an interview with the inventor of the infinite scroll and a segment on carbon capture technology for cargo ships. But it was the sight of two humanoid robots standing over a patient—scalpel in hand, directed by a surgeon miles away—that captured the imagination.