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Humanoid robots controlled by surgeons did world-first operation on live pigs
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- DeepHorus
Surgeons have successfully performed the world's first remote-controlled gallbladder removal on live pigs using a humanoid robot, marking a significant milestone in telemedicine and robotic surgery. The procedure, detailed in a preclinical trial published in the journal Nature, involved a Unitree G1 humanoid robot operated by surgeons from a distance. Unlike autonomous surgical machines, this system relies on human control, blending robotics with expert oversight to make advanced surgical care accessible in remote or resource-limited settings.
The teleoperated humanoid robots completed two minimally invasive surgeries by removing gallbladders from live pigs. This approach could eventually allow surgeons to perform robotic-assisted surgical care in smaller hospitals and clinics that lack the resources to install specialized but expensive surgical robots. The experiment represents a new example of human-robot teamups, where skilled surgeons remotely control the robots' movements.
The trial used a Unitree G1 humanoid robot made by Chinese robotics company Unitree. The cheapest baseline G1 model with effectively non-functional hands starts at $13,500, while adding dexterous robotic hands can push the cost beyond $67,000. In comparison, specialized surgical robots like Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci Surgical System cost between half a million and several million dollars, weigh about 1,800 pounds, and take up considerably more operating room space.
By contrast, the Unitree humanoid robots stand at 5 feet tall and weigh just 60 pounds, making them more suitable for smaller clinical settings in remote areas. The lower cost and smaller footprint could democratize access to minimally invasive surgery, reducing healthcare disparities. Researcher Shanglei Liu, an assistant professor of surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine, noted that the system is 'a fraction of the cost and takes a fraction of the space in an operating room.'
Liu emphasized that the technology is easy to deploy anywhere, from rural areas to battlefields and even to space. The study suggests that humanoid robots can effectively perform complex tasks under remote guidance, potentially bringing surgical capabilities to underserved regions. However, the procedure still requires skilled human operators, reinforcing the role of surgeons rather than replacing them.
If proven clinically ready for human patients, this approach could revolutionize surgical care by making it more affordable and accessible. More preclinical trials and regulatory approvals are needed before adoption in human medicine. The success with live pigs provides a promising foundation for future applications, though challenges remain in ensuring safety and reliability.
