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newsMonday, July 13, 2026·2 min read

Humanoid Robot Performs Live Surgery Under Surgeon's Control

A humanoid robot named Surgie performed live surgery under a surgeon's control, marking a debut in standard surgical settings.

Close-up of a futuristic toy robot with blue eyes, showcasing modern technology indoors.
Photo: Pavel Danilyuk

In a groundbreaking achievement, a humanoid robot named Surgie successfully performed live surgery under the control of an expert surgeon. The robot removed a pig's gallbladder using standard surgical tools in an ordinary operating room. This milestone marks the debut of humanoid robots in standard surgical settings and paves the way for potential applications in minimally invasive surgery.

What happened

The study involved two successful surgeries where the teleoperated robot completed the task with minimal intervention from human surgeons, who remained on standby for emergencies. The robot, controlled by an expert surgeon, navigated to the gallbladder and gently removed it. Feedback from surgeons operating Surgie was positive, with reports of less physical strain and frustration, along with better overall performance.

Why it matters

The use of humanoid robots in surgery has the potential to amplify access to critical surgeries, especially in remote communities where staffing is challenging or in austere environments like search and rescue scenarios. While robots have assisted surgeons for years, humanoid robots like Surgie offer a new level of flexibility and potential for minimally invasive procedures.

+ Pros
  • Increased access to critical surgeries in remote or underserved areas
  • Potential for reduced physical strain and frustration for surgeons
  • Improved performance and precision in delicate procedures
Cons
  • Practical problems like intermittent overheating and need for frequent repositioning
  • Highly specialized and potentially require operating room redesign
  • Tradeoffs in terms of cost and implementation challenges

How to think about it

As humanoid robots like Surgie continue to develop, it's essential to consider their potential applications and limitations. While there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of increased access to critical surgeries and improved performance make this area of research promising.

FAQ

What is the name of the humanoid robot that performed live surgery?+
The humanoid robot that performed live surgery is named Surgie.
What was the procedure performed by the robot?+
The robot performed a procedure to remove a pig's gallbladder using standard surgical tools.
What are the potential benefits of using humanoid robots in surgery?+
The potential benefits include increased access to critical surgeries, reduced physical strain and frustration for surgeons, and improved performance and precision in delicate procedures.
Sources
  1. 01In a First, a Humanoid Robot Performed Live Surgery Under a Surgeon’s Control
  2. 02In a First, a Humanoid Robot Performed Live Surgery Under a Surgeon's Control
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