The AI-driven robot successfully extracted the gallbladder from a deceased pig, marking a pivotal achievement in machine-assisted surgery with minimal human involvement.

This sophisticated robot features a dual-layer AI system trained using 17 hours of surgical video, which encompasses 16,000 movements performed by human surgeons. During operation, the first layer of the AI observes the endoscopic video and generates clear verbal instructions like “clip the second duct,” while the second layer translates these directives into precise three-dimensional tool movements.

In total, the gallbladder procedure involved 17 distinct tasks, of which the robotic system executed 8 with a flawless success rate.

“While current surgical robotics technology has indeed made certain procedures less invasive, the complication rate hasn’t actually decreased compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery performed by humans,” states Axel Krieger from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. “This research paves the way for the next generation of robotic systems beneficial to both patients and surgeons.”

“This investigation shines a light on the vast potential of AI and surgical robotics,” adds Danail Stoyanov from University College London. “Remarkable strides in computer vision for surgical footage, alongside accessible robotic platforms for research, will empower us to advance surgical automation.”

Nonetheless, Stoyanov points out that significant challenges remain before the system can be applied in clinical settings.

For instance, although the robot achieved a 100% success rate in completing its tasks, it needed to self-correct six times per procedure. This could involve a gripper that initially missed the artery during its attempt.

“There were numerous instances where self-corrections were necessary, all autonomously executed,” remarks Krieger. “It effectively identifies initial errors and rectifies them.” The robot also requested a human operator to swap one of its surgical instruments for another, indicating that some human intervention was still required.

Ferdinand Rodriguez Y. Baena from Imperial College London emphasizes the promising future of robotic surgery. “The horizon looks bright—and tantalizingly close,” he asserts. “To ensure the safety of human applications, regulatory measures must also evolve.”

The next phase involves enabling the robot to operate autonomously on living animals, where factors like respiration and bleeding could introduce complexities.