Humanoid robots could soon support surgical teams by handling low-risk tasks in operating rooms, but their integration will require careful safety validation and staged clinical testing, according to a perspective published on Jul. 14.
The article in npj Digital Medicine outlines a framework for the phased deployment of humanoid robots and embodied artificial intelligence to enhance surgical workflows. The authors said that while these systems have the potential to manage supplies, maintain sterile conditions, and prepare operating rooms based on visual or verbal instructions, there is not yet evidence of improved clinical outcomes or safety.
"These humanoid systems could assist surgical teams by handling supplies, managing equipment, supporting sterile conditions, and helping prepare and reset operating rooms based on visual or verbal instructions. Humanoids may extend human expertise rather than replace it. However, their adoption requires phased deployment, validation, and regulatory and ethical oversight before routine use in real-world surgical practice becomes feasible," the article said.
The researchers described how intelligent humanoids—equipped with bipedal mobility and bimanual dexterity—could first perform teleoperated or closely supervised low-risk functions before taking on more complex roles such as instrument handling under human oversight. The authors emphasized that cost considerations remain uncertain despite significant industry investment accelerating development toward general-purpose robotic systems.
A proposed pathway would begin with laboratory testing before progressing to perioperative tasks like cleaning or inventory management. Only after preclinical validation would robots advance to selected responsibilities traditionally performed by scrub and circulating nurses; direct high-risk procedures would remain outside early deployments. "Robots should first undergo preclinical validation and simulated testing before progressing to low-risk and later elevated-risk assistive clinical roles," the article said.
Technical challenges include ensuring reliable operation amid hardware malfunctions or environmental stressors common in operating rooms. The perspective also noted privacy concerns related to intraoperative data capture, as well as the need for informed consent regarding robot involvement during surgery. Training for surgical staff will be necessary as humanoid responsibilities expand.
