Surgical robots: How autonomous robots can change the way we perceive healthcare

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 29, 2022

Insight summary

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have further expanded robotics, enabling them to rely on medical image data and follow predetermined paths, surpassing conventional surgeons in specific procedures. These robots, equipped with sensing capabilities, have the potential to improve surgical outcomes, patient safety, and recovery, reducing complications and enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, their implementation could create job opportunities, attract investment, and lead to cost reductions, making advanced surgical care more accessible, even in less developed countries. 

Surgical robotics context

Typically, surgeons have to rely on their senses and cognitive abilities when performing complex medical procedures. In addition, they have to adapt to poor visibility and other obstacles inside patient surgical cavities that can contribute to complications during surgeries. Such challenges are the reason why surgeons adopted surgical robotics over the last 30 years; but the developments in artificial intelligence (AI) during the 2010s have contributed to their significantly expanded use in hospitals around the world.

For example, most surgical robots being developed today rely on medical image data and follow predetermined paths with the help of computer algorithms. In 2016, The STAR (Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot) surgical robot used mechanical sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms to perform surgery during experimental animal trials, exceeding conventional surgeons in specific procedures such as joining parts of the intestine. 

Another collaborative research project known as Functionally Accurate Robotic Surgery (FAROS) utilizes robotics and artificial intelligence to develop autonomous surgical robots equipped with a wide range of sensing capabilities, which can learn and master highly complex procedures. Although these surgical robots will require human supervision, they are not bound by human limitations, including fatigue, poor visibility, and reduced range of motion. Hence, their implementation can help improve recovery time and reduce complications post-op. 

Disruptive impact

These robots could enhance surgical outcomes, patient safety, and patient recovery. With improved features and capabilities, surgical robots could perform delicate procedures with precision and accuracy, minimizing the risk of human error. This feat translates to shorter hospital stays, reduced complications, and improved overall patient satisfaction. 

Surgical robots could also create job opportunities and attract investment in robotics and AI development. Increased sales of surgical robots will drive the demand for skilled professionals, such as engineers and AI developers. Furthermore, the influx of venture capital into the development of surgical robotics will foster innovation and drive advancements in the technology, leading to even more sophisticated and efficient robots.

The integration of surgical robots in healthcare systems may lead to cost reduction over time. As more hospitals adopt these tools, economies of scale will come into play, making them more affordable and accessible. This affordability will enable their deployment in less developed countries, leveling the playing field and ensuring that individuals in underserved areas have access to high-quality surgical care. Consequently, governments may witness improved healthcare infrastructure and better healthcare outcomes for their citizens, which can alleviate the burden on public health systems and improve overall population health.

Implications of surgical robots

Wider implications of surgical robots may include:

• Developing more autonomous, functional surgical robots capable of performing ever more complex medical procedures with minimal human intervention. 


• Reducing the overall operating costs and wait-time pressure on healthcare systems, leading to improved patient care.


• Encouraging more people to request surgical care early in the development of their health issues, as such surgeries will no longer be prohibitively expensive.


• Similar surgical robots being adopted within pet and livestock veterinary clinics to reduce costs and improve health outcomes.


• The accessibility of surgical robots in less developed countries bridging healthcare disparities, ensuring that individuals in underserved areas have access to advanced surgical care.


• Advancements in telemedicine and remote surgery, allowing patients in remote areas to receive specialized care from expert surgeons without the need for long-distance travel.


• New regulations and policies to address ethical and legal considerations, ensuring patient safety and minimizing liability risks associated with the use of autonomous medical devices.


• Reduced environmental impact of healthcare by minimizing the use of resources and reducing medical waste, leading to a more sustainable approach to surgical procedures.

Questions to consider

• How will the economics of surgical robotics evolve over the 2020s? Will prices will remain high? Or will we see downward pressure thanks growing market competition?


• Would you ever prefer to get a surgical procedure done with the help of an autonomous robot? Why?