Surgical robots take step towards fully autonomous operations
New Scientist2 days
Robot Performs Surgery Autonomously With 100% Success Rate
Above: Johns Hopkins University's SMART robot. Image copyright: Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-optimist narrative
This is a revolutionary leap toward safer, more accessible healthcare. This robot's 100% success rate and ability to adapt to real-world surgical complications demonstrate that AI can match expert human performance, reduce surgical errors, and expand access to quality care in underserved areas.
Techno-skeptic narrative
While impressive, significant safety concerns remain before human trials can begin. The robot required self-correction six times per case and needed human intervention to change instruments, raising questions about reliability in life-threatening situations where split-second decisions matter most.