Surgical robot removes gallbladder without human help (www.ibsafoundation.org)

A team at Johns Hopkins University has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in robotic surgery by training a surgical robot to autonomously remove a gallbladder, marking the first successful operation of its kind. Utilizing a machine learning framework similar to that of ChatGPT, the robot learned from video recordings of actual surgeries and demonstrated impressive dexterity while responding to voice commands from surgeons. Dubbed the Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy (SRT-H), this system not only executed surgical tasks but also adapted in real time, enhancing its ability to navigate unpredictable conditions within the operating environment. This development signifies a major advancement in the AI/ML community, pushing the boundaries of robotic autonomy in healthcare. Previously, robotic systems relied heavily on direct human control, but SRT-H represents a shift toward more independently functioning surgical robots, capable of refining their skills through continuous interaction. The implications are profound; automation in surgery could alleviate staff shortages and improve precision for specific procedures, paving the way for a future where robots can operate autonomously and efficiently. As researchers aim to expand SRT-H's capabilities for various surgeries, the journey from experimental technology to practical application in operating rooms accelerates, presenting a future where surgical robots play an integral role in patient care.