Two human-shaped robots stood holding surgical instruments in an operating theatre, their movements directed by surgeons from a remote location. For the first time, humanoid robots have successfully performed surgery, controlled remotely by human experts.
The feat, reported on the BBC's Tech Life programme, marks a milestone in robotic surgery. An expert involved in the procedure spoke to the show about the achievement, though further details of the operation were not disclosed.
“Humanoid robots remotely controlled by surgeons have performed surgery in an operating theatre for the first time.”
The robots, which are human-like in form, carried out the surgery while being operated remotely. The University of California San Diego provided the image accompanying the report, showing the two robots at work in the operating theatre.
This development comes as other technological innovations are also being explored, including a carbon capture solution for large cargo ships and reflections from the inventor of the infinite scroll on social media. However, the surgical breakthrough stands out as a tangible demonstration of remote-controlled humanoid robotics in a clinical setting.
The ability for surgeons to control robots from a distance could expand access to specialist surgical care, though the technology remains at an early stage. The programme's presenter, Shiona McCallum, and producer, Tom Quinn, brought the story to listeners.