AI brings robots closer to autonomous surgery

Advancing medical technology, robotic systems now learn surgical skills by watching recorded operations, paving the way for safer and more efficient autonomous procedures.
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A team from Johns Hopkins and Stanford has trained robotic systems to perform surgical tasks with human-like precision. Using a da Vinci Surgical System, the researchers applied ‘imitation learning,’ where robots observe recorded surgical videos to replicate complex movements like suturing and tissue manipulation. This innovative method eliminates the need for manual programming and allows robots to learn from the combined expertise of skilled surgeons.

The AI-powered system combines imitation learning with advanced machine learning techniques, enabling it to convert visual data into precise robotic actions. Not only does it perform surgical tasks proficiently, but it can also self-correct in real time, such as retrieving a dropped needle without human intervention. Such adaptability could reduce complications and enhance patient outcomes.

This breakthrough accelerates the path toward autonomous robotic surgery. Researchers believe robots can now learn new procedures in days rather than months. While full autonomy in surgery remains a future goal, this advancement marks a significant step toward safer and more accessible healthcare worldwide.