US scientists use Chinese humanoid robot for keyhole surgery
US surgeons remotely controlled a Chinese humanoid robot to perform minimally invasive gallbladder removal, signaling a shift toward robot-assisted surgery for underserved regions.
US surgeons remotely controlled a Chinese humanoid robot to perform minimally invasive gallbladder removal, signaling a shift toward robot-assisted surgery for underserved regions.
What happened in this surgery?
Researchers at UC San Diego used a humanoid robot made by Unitree Robotics, nicknamed Surgie, to perform a keyhole gallbladder removal on a pig. Two human surgeons controlled the robot remotely while a second robot managed the endoscope and retracted tissue during the procedure. The operation succeeded, demonstrating that general-purpose humanoid robots can execute complex surgical tasks under human direction.
Why does this matter for surgical robotics?
Most surgical robots today are purpose-built systems designed for specific procedures, which limits their flexibility and drives up costs. A general-purpose humanoid robot that can be reprogrammed for different surgical tasks opens a different path: the same hardware could theoretically handle multiple types of operations. This approach could lower barriers to adoption in hospitals with limited budgets, particularly in regions where access to specialized surgical expertise is scarce.
Remotely operated and autonomous humanoid robots have real potential for expanding access to critical surgeries that patients might otherwise go without.
Michael Yip, the UCSD professor who led the research, framed the work as a potential solution to healthcare crises both domestically and globally. The ability to perform surgery remotely also creates possibilities for surgeons to operate across distances, which could be valuable during emergencies or in underserved areas.
What are the practical hurdles ahead?
The pig surgery was a proof of concept, not a clinical trial. Real-world deployment would require regulatory approval, extensive testing on human cadavers and live patients, and refinement of the robot's dexterity and feedback systems. Surgeons need tactile sensation and precise control, which remote operation can degrade. The research team will need to demonstrate that the robot's performance matches or exceeds existing surgical methods before hospitals adopt it.
What does this mean for the robotics industry?
The success signals that the medical robotics market may be shifting away from single-purpose machines toward adaptable platforms. Unitree Robotics, a Chinese manufacturer known for legged robots, now has a foothold in surgical applications. This could attract other robotics companies to develop surgical capabilities for their humanoid platforms, intensifying competition and potentially accelerating innovation in the space. It also underscores how Chinese robotics firms are moving upstream into high-value sectors like healthcare.
Can this robot perform surgery without a human surgeon controlling it?
Not yet. In this demonstration, human surgeons remotely controlled the robot throughout the procedure. The research team mentioned potential for autonomous operation in the future, but the current system relies on human direction and decision-making.
Why use a Chinese robot instead of existing surgical robots like the da Vinci?
Existing surgical robots are expensive and designed for specific procedures. A general-purpose humanoid robot can theoretically be reprogrammed for different surgeries, making it more flexible and potentially cheaper. The goal is to create a platform that works across multiple surgical types rather than buying separate machines for each procedure.
When will hospitals actually use this robot for patient surgery?
That is years away. The team has demonstrated the concept on an animal model. Before human trials, they need regulatory approval, extensive testing, refinement of the robot's sensitivity and control, and proof that it performs as well as or better than current methods. Clinical adoption will take time.