Humanoid Robots Successfully Perform Surgery on Pigs in Pre-Clinical Trial
Researchers believe the cost-effective and adaptable robots could eventually assist in human surgeries, particularly in remote or austere environments.
Humanoid robots have successfully performed complex surgical procedures on live pigs, marking a significant advancement in robotic surgery. The pre-clinical trials, detailed in the journal Nature, saw two Unitree G1 robots, nicknamed 'Surgie,' remotely operated by surgeons to carry out keyhole surgeries.
In one instance, a surgeon guided a teleoperated robot to remove a pig's gallbladder. In a novel development, two robots worked collaboratively in a side-by-side fashion to complete a procedure. The robots were equipped with specialized adapters to hold surgical instruments but were otherwise standard models.
The research team highlighted that the Surgie robots are comparable in precision to conventional surgical robots but come at a significantly lower cost and are easier to deploy and operate. This affordability and accessibility could address the growing global shortfall of skilled surgeons.
"You can imagine these robots being deployed in remote communities where staffing is challenging, or in austere environments like search and rescue scenarios," said senior author Professor Michael Yip of UC San Diego. "Remotely operated and autonomous humanoid robots have real potential for amplifying access to critical surgeries to which patients would otherwise not have access."
Previous testing focused on the robots' fine motor skills, handling inanimate objects and surgical tools. The successful procedures on anesthetized pigs demonstrated their capabilities, with the robots even managing to stem minor bleeding during one operation. Researchers expressed surprise at the robots' performance, noting that controlling the humanoid form felt more intuitive than manipulating the arms of larger, specialized surgical robots, particularly for those not extensively trained on such systems.
Traditional surgical robots are substantial, weighing up to 1,800 pounds and requiring large teams for setup and operation, often necessitating operating room retrofitting. In contrast, Surgie stands about five feet tall and weighs just 60 pounds, making it a viable option for situations where larger robots are impractical.
"It's a fraction of the cost and it takes a fraction of the space in an operating room. So it’s easy to deploy, anywhere from rural areas to the battlefield, and even to space," stated co-author Dr. Shanglei Liu, a surgeon at UC San Diego.
Despite the successes, the researchers acknowledged areas for improvement. The robots required recalibration multiple times during the procedures, extending the surgery duration. Reducing latency—the delay between operator input and robotic action—is also crucial for full practicality. However, the team is optimistic, drawing parallels to the evolution of robotic keyhole surgery, which has seen task completion times dramatically reduced over the years.
Even if not immediately ready for direct human operations, the researchers see a strong future for these humanoid robots as surgical assistants. Their ability to move and perform tasks similar to humans could make them ideal for fetching instruments or assisting with post-operative tasks. "Our goal is an operating theatre of the future, where humanoid robots and humans work side by side as an integrated team to deliver procedures to those in need," Professor Yip added.