Articles tagged with "medical-robots"
Micron-accurate robot completes world's first cataract procedure
A surgical robotics system developed at UCLA by Horizon Surgical Systems has successfully completed the world’s first robotic-assisted human cataract surgery, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmic care. Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens and affect nearly 94 million people globally, are the leading cause of blindness. While cataract surgery is common—with over 26 million procedures annually—it requires extreme precision due to the delicate, micron-scale anatomy involved. In a first-in-human study involving 10 patients, surgeons at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute used Horizon’s Polaris robotic platform to perform standard cataract procedures without any adverse events. The system allowed surgeons to operate from a cockpit with real-time visual and tactile feedback, while robotic arms executed precise corneal incisions, lens removal, and implantation of artificial lenses to restore vision. This breakthrough is the culmination of over a decade of collaboration between UCLA engineers and physicians, supported by NIH funding and led by co-founders from UCLA faculty. The Polaris system demonstrated
roboticssurgical-roboticsmedical-robotsprecision-surgeryophthalmic-surgeryhealthcare-technologyrobotic-surgerySurgical robotics market to double by 2029: report
The global surgical robotics market, currently valued in the billions, is projected to double by 2029, according to a comprehensive report from MassDevice’s Medtech Market Intelligence. Authored by Gayle Grimes, the nearly 100-page report offers detailed forecasts for both U.S. and international markets and analyzes major industry players such as Intuitive, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic, among others. Intuitive remains the dominant provider in soft-tissue robotic systems with its next-generation da Vinci 5 multiport robot, while Stryker leads in orthopedic robotic surgery. Despite this, numerous companies are entering the space, indicating significant competitive activity and growth potential. The report highlights that robotic-assisted surgeries currently account for only about 2.5% of the 10 million major operating room procedures performed annually in the U.S., suggesting substantial room for market expansion domestically. It provides extensive insights into surgical robotics procedures, technologies, innovations, market trends,
roboticssurgical-roboticsmedical-robotshealthcare-technologyrobotic-surgeryteleroboticsautonomous-systemsTransatlantic robotic stroke surgery performed across 4,000 miles
A groundbreaking milestone in remote stroke treatment was achieved when Professor Iris Grunwald of Dundee performed the world’s first remote thrombectomy on a human cadaver using a robotic system developed by Lithuanian MedTech company Sentante. This system allows a neurointerventionist to clear blocked brain vessels with surgical precision from a distant location, demonstrated further by Dr. Ricardo Hanel performing the first transatlantic thrombectomy from Jacksonville, Florida, to Dundee, Scotland, over 4,000 miles away. The Sentante platform uniquely replicates the tactile feedback of manual surgery by transmitting authentic force sensations to the surgeon’s fingertips, enabling precise control despite the remote setting. Stroke affects around 15 million people annually, with thrombectomy being the gold-standard treatment for major vessel blockages. However, access is limited due to a shortage of specialists and geographic barriers, especially in regions like northern Scotland where patients face long travel times to specialist centers. Delays significantly reduce the chances of a good outcome, as every six minutes
roboticsremote-surgerymedical-robotstelemedicinestroke-treatmentrobotic-surgeryhealthcare-technologySS Innovations completes first telesurgery with new SSi Mantra console - The Robot Report
SS Innovations International Inc. has successfully completed the first telesurgery using its newly developed SSi Mantra Tele Surgeon Console (TSC), a compact, chair-based version of its larger SSi Mantra surgeon command center. Unveiled in 2024, the TSC features a smaller footprint, portability, and built-in electronics with lightweight glasses and 3D magnified viewing, enabling telesurgeries to be performed from diverse locations such as physician offices rather than traditional operating rooms. This design aims to expand patient access to surgical expertise by allowing surgical experts to operate remotely as long as connectivity is available. The company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has focused on making robotic surgery more affordable and accessible globally, with its product lineup including the multi-arm SSi Mantra system and SSi Mudra instruments. To date, 35 telesurgeries, including 10 cardiac procedures, have been completed using the SSi Mantra, with the first American telesurgery occurring in June 2024
roboticstelesurgeryteleoperationmedical-robotsremote-surgeryrobotic-surgeryhealthcare-technologyShape-shifting origami robots crawl, fold, and deliver medicine
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel 3D printing technique that integrates ultra-thin magnetic “muscles” into origami robots, enabling them to crawl, fold, and perform tasks such as delivering medicine inside the body. By infusing rubber-like elastomers with ferromagnetic particles, the team created a thin magnetic film that acts as an actuator when exposed to magnetic fields, allowing precise control over the robot’s movements without significantly increasing its size. This innovation overcomes previous limitations in magnetic soft robotics by using a hot plate during curing, which permits a higher concentration of magnetic particles and thus stronger magnetic forces. The researchers demonstrated the technology with two main prototypes: a drug-delivery robot based on the Miura-Ori folding pattern and a crawling robot capable of navigating varied terrains and climbing small obstacles. The drug-delivery robot can be swallowed compactly, then magnetically guided and unfolded inside the body to release medicine steadily at targeted sites, such as ulcers, offering a minimally invasive treatment
roboticssoft-roboticsmagnetic-actuators3D-printingdrug-deliverymedical-robotsorigami-robotsSwisslog Healthcare, Diligent Robotics to bring last-mile delivery to hospitals - The Robot Report
Swisslog Healthcare has formed a strategic alliance with Diligent Robotics to introduce autonomous last-mile delivery robots, specifically the Moxi robot, into hospitals across the U.S. This partnership aims to enhance hospital logistics by integrating Swisslog’s transport and pharmacy automation systems with Diligent’s autonomous mobile manipulation robots (AMMRs). The collaboration is designed to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, and improve patient care by enabling faster, more accurate delivery of medications and other critical items, including high-risk drugs like pediatric chemotherapy and narcotics. The alliance also seeks to complement existing pneumatic tube systems with robotic solutions capable of handling deliveries that are too large or sensitive for tubes. The service robotics market in healthcare is projected to grow significantly, and this partnership addresses the increasing demand for efficient, end-to-end hospital logistics solutions. Swisslog and Diligent Robotics emphasize that their combined technology will improve tracking and traceability of transported goods, reduce operational waste, and allow healthcare staff to focus more on patient care. Dilig
roboticshealthcare-automationautonomous-robotshospital-logisticslast-mile-deliverymedical-robotstransport-automationTop 10 robotics developments of August 2025 - The Robot Report
In August 2025, The Robot Report highlighted significant developments in the robotics industry, emphasizing both business dynamics and technological advancements. Robotics investments surged to over $4.35 billion in July 2025, driven primarily by the U.S. and China through 93 funding rounds. Key funding news included FORT Robotics securing an additional $18.9 million to enhance robotic safety and OpenMind raising $20 million to advance its OM1 operating system aimed at connecting intelligent machines globally. Teradyne Robotics reported $75 million in Q2 revenue, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous quarter despite a 17% year-over-year decline. On the innovation front, Boston Dynamics and TRI are leveraging large behavior models to train the Atlas humanoid robot for versatile task competence, including object manipulation and dynamic balance. University of Waterloo researchers are pioneering tiny robots designed to dissolve kidney stones, potentially transforming treatment for a condition affecting 12% of people. Unitree Robotics introduced the A2 quadruped robot
roboticshumanoid-robotsrobot-investmentsrobotic-safetymedical-robotsAI-in-roboticsautonomous-robotsRobotics investments top $4.3B in July 2025
In July 2025, the robotics sector saw robust investment activity, with a total of at least $4.35 billion raised across 93 funding rounds globally. The United States and China were the leading contributors, securing approximately $1.8 billion and just over $1 billion respectively. Israel also made a notable impact with $825 million, primarily due to a post-IPO secondary round by autonomous vehicle developer Mobileye. A significant milestone was achieved when Geekplus, a Chinese company specializing in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for logistics, became the first warehouse AMR robotics firm to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising $281 million through its IPO. Investment interest was diverse, with aerial drones and drone-related services leading the number of individual rounds at 13. Other sectors attracting significant funding included humanoid robots, manufacturing robots, maritime robots, medical robots, sensors, and robotics software. The month also featured at least eight acquisitions, highlighted by Zimmer Biomet’s purchase of Mon
roboticsautonomous-mobile-robotsdrone-technologyrobotics-investmentsmanufacturing-robotsmedical-robotsrobotics-startupsDual robots in Sydney surgery remove throat tumor, preserve speech
In a groundbreaking surgical achievement at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, doctors successfully performed the world’s first dual-robot procedure to remove a throat tumor while preserving the patient’s voice and swallowing functions. The surgery involved a 27-year-old man with a sarcoma near his voice box. Using a combination of the da Vinci robotic system for tumor removal and the Symani robotic system for delicate microsurgical reconstruction, surgeons excised the tumor completely without resorting to a total laryngectomy, thereby maintaining the patient’s near-normal speech and swallowing abilities. The dual-robot approach leveraged the complementary strengths of both systems: the da Vinci robot provided enhanced precision and visibility for minimally invasive tumor resection, while the Symani robot enabled ultra-fine microsurgical repairs, including reconnecting tiny blood vessels less than 1–1.5 millimeters wide. This synergy not only preserved critical anatomical structures but also reduced surgeon fatigue by translating hand movements into highly precise, tremor-free actions. St Vincent’s Hospital is
roboticsrobotic-surgerymedical-robotsda-Vinci-robotSymani-robotic-systemprecision-medicinesurgical-technologyUniversity of Waterloo researchers develop robots to directly treat kidney stones - The Robot Report
Researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by Dr. Veronika Magdanz, have developed a novel robotic technology aimed at directly treating kidney stones by dissolving them within the urinary tract. Kidney stones affect about 12% of people and often require prolonged drug treatments or surgeries, which can be painful and burdensome. The new minimally invasive approach uses thin, flexible, magnetically controlled strips about 1 cm long, embedded with the enzyme urease. These strips are maneuvered near uric acid kidney stones using a robotic arm guided by doctors, where the enzyme reduces urine acidity, accelerating stone dissolution so they can pass naturally within days. The technology was tested in life-size, 3D-printed urinary tract models and shows promise especially for patients who frequently develop stones or cannot tolerate oral medications or surgery due to risks like chronic infections. The system combines a motorized magnet on a robotic arm with real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely position the enzyme-loaded robots near the stones. Next steps for the
roboticsmedical-robotskidney-stone-treatmentrobotic-armminimally-invasive-surgerybiomedical-engineering3D-printingRobotic neck surgery replaces heart valve without chest incision
Surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic have successfully performed the world’s first robotic aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a small neck incision, avoiding the traditional chest opening (sternotomy). Led by Dr. Marijan Koprivanac, this transcervical robotic approach offers a less-invasive alternative to conventional AVR, which typically requires opening the chest and results in longer, more painful recoveries. The technique uses robotic arms inserted via a small incision along a natural neck crease, allowing precise removal of the diseased valve and implantation of a prosthetic valve through four small incisions. Four patients underwent this procedure earlier in 2025, all experiencing low pain levels and rapid recovery, with some returning to physical activities within a week. Building on Dr. Koprivanac’s prior experience with transcervical thymectomy, the team refined the AVR technique through cadaver studies before clinical application. Initial cases showed an average cross-clamp time of about 140 minutes, with most patients discharged within
roboticsrobotic-surgerymedical-robotsminimally-invasive-surgeryhealthcare-technologyrobotic-assisted-surgerysurgical-innovationSS Innovations completes intercontinental robotic cardiac telesurgery with SSi Mantra - The Robot Report
SS Innovations International announced a groundbreaking intercontinental robotic cardiac telesurgery performed on July 19, 2025. Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, CEO and Chairman, remotely operated the company’s SSi Mantra 3 surgical robotic system from Strasbourg, France, to conduct an atrial septal defect closure on a patient located 4,000 miles away at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) in Indore, India. The surgery, completed during the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) Annual Meeting, was executed without technical issues, demonstrating imperceptible latency and high precision. This achievement highlights the advanced capabilities of the SSi Mantra 3 system and represents a significant step toward expanding access to complex cardiac care globally, particularly in regions lacking surgical expertise. SS Innovations, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been advancing robotic telesurgery technology to make it more affordable and accessible worldwide. The company’s product line includes the SSi Mantra
roboticstelesurgerymedical-robotsrobotic-surgeryremote-surgerysurgical-technologyhealthcare-innovationJohns Hopkins teaches robot to perform a gallbladder removal on a realistic patient - The Robot Report
Johns Hopkins University has developed a surgical robot, the Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy (SRT-H), capable of autonomously performing a complex phase of gallbladder removal surgery on a lifelike patient model. Unlike previous robotic systems that operated under rigid, pre-mapped conditions, SRT-H adapts in real time to individual anatomical variations and unexpected scenarios, responding to voice commands and corrections from the surgical team much like a novice surgeon learning from a mentor. Built using machine learning architecture similar to ChatGPT, the robot demonstrates human-like adaptability and understanding, marking a significant advancement toward clinically viable autonomous surgical systems. The robot was trained by analyzing videos of surgeons performing gallbladder surgeries on pig cadavers, supplemented with task-specific captions. It successfully executed a sequence of 17 intricate surgical tasks—such as identifying ducts and arteries, placing clips, and cutting tissue—with 100% accuracy, though it took longer than a human surgeon to complete the procedure. This achievement builds on prior work where the team
robotsurgical-roboticsautonomous-surgerymachine-learningAI-in-healthcaremedical-robotsrobotic-surgeryUS scientists use machine learning for real-time crop disease alerts
Purdue University researchers are leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies to transform agriculture and environmental management. Their innovations include real-time crop disease detection using semi-supervised models that identify rare diseases from limited data, enabling faster outbreak responses and reduced chemical usage. These AI tools are designed to run efficiently on low-power devices such as drones and autonomous tractors, facilitating on-the-ground, real-time monitoring without relying on constant connectivity. Additionally, Purdue scientists are using AI to analyze urban ecosystems through remote sensing data and LiDAR imagery, uncovering patterns invisible to the naked eye to improve urban living conditions. In agriculture, AI is also being applied to enhance crop yield predictions and climate resilience. For example, machine learning ensembles simulate rice yields under future climate scenarios, improving accuracy significantly. Tools like the “Netflix for crops” platform recommend optimal crops based on soil and water data, aiding farmers and policymakers in making informed, data-driven decisions. Furthermore, Purdue developed an AI-powered medical robot capable of swimming inside a cow’s stomach to
robotAIagriculture-technologymachine-learningmedical-robotscrop-disease-detectionenvironmental-monitoringNHS plans to cut waitlist times by expanding access to robotic surgeries - The Robot Report
The NHS of England has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand the use of robotic surgery over the next decade to reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes. By 2035, the NHS aims to perform half a million robotic operations annually, a substantial increase from 70,000 in 2023-2024. Robotic surgery, particularly in keyhole procedures, is expected to become the default approach for 90% of such surgeries, up from 20% today. This expansion is part of the NHS’s broader commitment to shorten elective waiting times by 2029, leveraging advanced technology to increase surgical capacity, enhance precision, and promote faster patient recovery with shorter hospital stays. Robotic surgery offers several advantages over traditional methods, including greater dexterity for surgeons and less physical strain, as surgeons operate instruments via a console with 3D visualization. The technology has broadened beyond its initial focus on urological cancer surgeries to include colorectal, gynecological, ENT, and orthopedic procedures. Some robotic systems
roboticsrobotic-surgeryNHShealthcare-technologymedical-robotssurgical-robotskeyhole-surgery