Robotic surgery

Robotics, when combined with machine learning and AI, promise a marked improvement in surgical outcomes. According to a report from PwC that looked at the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in various sectors, healthcare was identified as being one of those with real potential when it came to the use of these technologies. An ageing population, together with more recent advances in sensors and wireless connectivity, along with much improved IT systems, mean than healthcare is now well placed to take advantage of the capabilities of robots and AI which are leading to the greater adoption of more automated systems.

According to the report AI could be used for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, for example, and could help clinicians to speed-up their decision making as well as help perform certain tasks more effectively and efficiently. The most striking potential, when it comes to the future deployment of robots, is in conducting the surgery itself.  A growing number of remotely-operated surgical robotic systems comprising of a surgeon’s console, robotic arms, monitoring systems and software are being used to assist in minimally invasive procedures, whether that’s carrying out stitching or inserting screws, and all achieved with much greater accuracy and with levels of dexterity beyond that of humans.

A growing number of remotely-operated surgical robotic systems comprising of a surgeon’s console, robotic arms, monitoring systems and software are being used to assist in minimally invasive procedures, whether that’s carrying out stitching or inserting screws, and all achieved with much greater accuracy and with levels of dexterity beyond that of humans. The da Vinci robotic surgery system is perhaps the best-known example of this kind of technology, with over 4,500 robots deployed worldwide. These robots are, however, more about manipulation than true surgical robotic systems. Nonetheless, the global surgical robotics market is growing strongly and research, from Allied Market Research, suggests that it is expected to top $98billion by 2024. The range of applications is also expected to continue to expand rapidly.