Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a robot called SRT-H, which learned to perform surgeries solely by watching surgical videos. This robot can now independently carry out procedures like gallbladder removal without human assistance, using only voice commands. Unlike earlier surgical robots limited to specific tasks, SRT-H comprehends surgical processes and can make real-time adjustments during operations.
According to medical robotics expert Dr. Axel Krieger, this advancement brings us closer to autonomous surgical systems capable of operating safely in complex and unpredictable real-world scenarios. The robot combines mechanical precision with situational awareness, meaning it can go beyond static instructions and adjust its methods as needed.
In this study, SRT-H successfully completed eight gallbladder removal procedures on human-like models. It identified specific ducts and arteries, placed clips accurately, and made precise incisions using scissors. Powered by the same machine learning principles behind ChatGPT, the robot can respond to verbal commands, learn on the fly, and self-correct during surgery.
SRT-H can adapt to unexpected anatomical variations and modify its approach accordingly—essentially behaving like a human surgeon in terms of decision-making and growth. It had previously completed similar procedures on pig organs, although not on live animals.
The field of robotic surgery is advancing rapidly alongside AI. Last year, the Johns Hopkins team trained a robot to perform needle control, tissue manipulation, and suturing in mere seconds. In 2022, their earlier STAR robot performed the first autonomous laparoscopic surgery on a live pig, albeit with assistance from a medical team.
Although SRT-H currently takes more time than human surgeons, its results are comparable in quality. The researchers believe autonomous surgical robots can progress gradually, much like medical students. In the future, SRT-H is expected to expand its capabilities and become more independent, potentially performing complex surgeries without external guidance. The study was published in Science Robotics.
