Surgeons and engineers at the University of California, San Diego, used teleoperated humanoid robots to perform gallbladder removals on two live pigs [1], [2].
This experiment serves as a critical proof-of-concept for remote surgery. By demonstrating that humanoid robots can safely execute complex procedures, researchers are establishing the technical foundation required before moving toward human clinical trials [1], [4].
The procedures took place this month in San Diego, California [2], [3]. The team utilized humanoid robots that stand five feet tall and weigh 60 pounds [3]. These machines are not autonomous; instead, they are remotely controlled by skilled surgeons who guide the robot's movements in real time [2].
During the trials, the robots successfully completed two surgeries [1]. Each operation involved the removal of a gallbladder from a live pig [2]. The use of a humanoid form factor allows the robot to interact with the surgical environment in a way that mimics human presence—though the control remains entirely in the hands of the human operator [2].
The project aims to prove that teleoperation can maintain the precision necessary for invasive surgery. Because the robots are controlled by surgeons, the system combines human medical expertise with robotic stability [2]. This approach mitigates the risks associated with fully autonomous surgical systems while exploring the possibilities of remote healthcare delivery [4].
Researchers said that the robots are tools for surgeons rather than replacements for doctors [2]. The successful completion of these two animal surgeries marks a significant milestone in the development of telepresence in the operating room [1].
“Humanoid robots are not autonomous machines capable of replacing human doctors.”
The shift toward humanoid forms in teleoperated surgery suggests a move toward robots that can navigate existing human-centric operating rooms without requiring specialized infrastructure. While current robotic surgery often relies on fixed arms attached to a bed, a mobile humanoid robot could potentially allow a specialist to operate on a patient from another city or country, provided the latency is low enough to ensure safety.
