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Robotic surgery offers no clear benefit over conventional joint replacement surgery

Studies comparing robotic and conventional joint replacement surgeries found no differences in implant survival, revision risk, or surgical complications. However, robotic surgery was associated with a lower risk of hip revisions. Further research is needed to compare patient functional outcomes and evaluate the technology's effectiven...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2026

Surgeons debate promise and limits of robotics in lung transplantation at ISHLT meeting

At the ISHLT meeting, experts discussed the use of robotic technology in lung transplantation, highlighting potential benefits such as improved recovery and expanded access to transplantation for frail patients. However, Dr. Hermann Reichenspurner presented counterpoints, emphasizing that current evidence does not demonstrate superior ...

Don't build the engine, grow it: biohybrid miniature robots using living organisms

Researchers create living biohybrid miniature robots that solve traditional engineering trade-offs between structural rigidity and environmental adaptability. These biological engines utilize embodied intelligence to navigate complex terrains and achieve performance metrics rivaling state-of-the-art synthetics.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 15, 2026

The robot will see you now

New humanoid surgical robots offer a solution to the growing healthcare labor shortage, allowing for more efficient surgeries and reduced burnout among doctors. By taking on routine tasks, these robots can free up surgeons to focus on more complex procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 9, 2025

Bile duct injury rates higher from robotic assisted cholecystectomy

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a higher risk of bile duct injury compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. The study, led by Dr. Cody Mullens, analyzed Medicare data and found that bile duct injuries were approximately three times more common in robotic chol...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2025

HKUST develops world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot for interventional diagnosis and treatment

Researchers at HKUST have developed a world's smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, capable of imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operations. The robot offers competitive imaging performance and extends obstacle detection distance up to ~9.4 mm.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2025

Plastic device aids robot-assisted heart surgery

A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInnovations Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery·TypeCase study·DateNov 7, 2024

A joint research team of Korea University College of Medicine announced the world's first single-port robotic thymectomy comparative results

A joint research team at Korea University College of Medicine announced the world's first comparative results of single-port robotic thymectomy, showing a lower conversion rate to multi-port surgery and shorter hospital stays. The study demonstrated that single-port robotic thymectomy is a safer alternative to traditional VATS thymectomy.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Operating from 9,300km away

A team at ETH Zurich successfully conducted the first remote-controlled magnetic endoscopy procedure across a 9,300km distance. The procedure allowed for precise navigation and manipulation of a probe in a live pig's stomach via a joystick controlled by an operator in Zurich.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateAug 26, 2024

Trajectory planning could boost safety in medical robotics

Researchers have developed a complex algorithm to choreograph the movement of two robotic arms, ensuring a clear space between them and maintaining a consistent magnetic field. This innovative system uses two robotic arms to steer magnetic medical devices, such as vine robots, with precise control and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Robots face the future

The team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi, created a layer of skin that can bind to complex forms of humanoid robots, granting them increased mobility and self-healing abilities. The research has potential applications in the cosmetics industry, medical research, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Precise localization of miniature robots and surgical instruments inside the body

A team at the German Cancer Research Center has developed a new method for precise localization of miniature robots and surgical instruments, enabling real-time tracking and control. This breakthrough could advance many medical procedures, including nanorobots for drug transport, tissue measurements, and surgical procedures.

Resistance to social robots futile

The study investigates relationships between customer equity drivers and trust in social robots, finding that effective customer service creates value equity. Businesses can benefit from social robots by enhancing relationship equity and brand equity, leading to greater trust and positive customer experiences. However, the negative asp...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2024

Robotic-assisted surgery and navigation don't affect infection risk after hip arthroplasty

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests that robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques do not significantly increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 patients undergoing THA between 201...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2024

Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJan 24, 2024

Study identifies new findings on implant positioning and stability during robotic-assisted knee revision surgery

A study published in Arthroplasty Today found that robotic-assisted knee revision surgery significantly influences the function of the knee replacement. The computer system can help predict implant size and balance the knee for stability, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArthroplasty Today·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Magnetic soft robots are spread like butter

Researchers designed magnetic soft robots using a mixture of magnetic particles and non-Newtonian fluidic soft materials to achieve programmable hardening, controlled adhesion, and flexible deployment. The robots demonstrate enhanced stiffness, output forces, and reconfiguration capabilities for various medical applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Will robotic assisted in situ bioprinting become the next generation of surgical modality for cartilage repair?

The technique has the potential to overcome major shortcomings associated with conventional bioprinting, allowing real-time wound treatment and immediate anastomosis with native tissue. However, challenges remain, including integration with surrounding tissues and limited access to defect sites in articular joints.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 25, 2023

Will you let a robot assist in surgery on you? The role of advertising in high-tech medical procedures

Researchers analyzed 140,000 patient records and TV ads from Florida to investigate the effectiveness of DTCA for robotics surgery. The study found that patients exposed to robotic surgery advertising were more likely to choose it over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. Additionally, hospital marketers can use DTCA to sway p...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 1, 2023

New study refines precision of medical needles in surgical simulation

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a way to improve the accuracy of medical needle-use in surgical simulation, reproducing effects similar to real-life delivery. The breakthrough has the potential to enhance training for junior surgeons and develop surgical robotic solutions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalMathematical and Computer Modelling of Dynamical Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Microrobot assembly line

A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

A soft, stretchable thermometer

Researchers developed a soft, stretchable, self-powered thermometer that can be integrated into stretchable electronics and soft robots, enabling new human-machine interfaces and applications. The sensor has high sensitivity and quick response time, and can measure temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius or as cold as -100 degrees Celsius.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Soft components for the next generation of soft robotics

Researchers developed electrically-driven soft valves to control hydraulic soft actuators, enabling faster and more powerful control of macro- and small-scale hydraulic actuators. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented motion control of soft robots with internal volume ranging from hundreds of microliters to tens of milliliters.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2021

Cutting surgical robots down to size

Researchers at Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard have developed a miniature manipulator that uses origami-inspired design to enhance precision and control during teleoperated surgical procedures. The new device enables surgeons to perform complex operations with increased accuracy and reduced tissue damage.