Researchers successfully train robots to perform surgery by watching videos

Researchers train surgical robots using video-based learning to combat US surgeon shortage.

: Johns Hopkins and Stanford researchers trained surgical robots through video learning, enabling autonomous complex surgical tasks. The technology, presented at the Conference on Robot Learning in Munich, promises to alleviate the anticipated surgeon shortage in the US. Experts emphasize challenges like patient variability, liability, and privacy before real-world use. Issues of responsibility, privacy, and professional reliance must be addressed prior to wider application.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University have successfully developed surgical robots that can autonomously perform complex procedures by learning from videos. Their work, shared at the Conference on Robot Learning in Munich, utilizes a model akin to natural language processing to guide robot actions.

These robots demonstrated proficiency on practice materials and animal samples, potentially aiding in the expected shortage of 10,000 to 20,000 US surgeons by 2036. The technology simplifies procedure programming and enables command-based interactions, similar to guiding a surgical resident.

Although promising, significant challenges remain, including patient anatomical differences and accountability in error scenarios. Privacy concerns over video usage and equitable technology distribution are additional issues needing resolution.