Researchers at the University of California San Diego recently used humanoid robots for the first time to perform two surgeries on pigs. Guided by surgeons, the robots, nicknamed "Surgie," successfully removed gallbladders in procedures that researchers say are an important step before moving to human trials.
One operation was performed by a humanoid robot with assistance from a surgeon, while a second was completed by two humanoid robots working together. "As a proof of concept, it absolutely worked," says Dr. Ryan Broderick, who led the team behind the groundbreaking surgery.
Researchers note that the smaller robots fit more easily into operating rooms than many traditional surgical robots. They hope the humanoid robots could eventually be used in smaller medical facilities or other locations outside traditional operating rooms. UC San Diego professor Michael Yip says they’ve shown that it’s possible for robots like Surgie to eventually be used for life-saving procedures.
Source: GOOD MORNING AMERICA
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP / Getty Images