Why Surgical Robots Are on the Cusp of Major Breakthroughs

July 10, 2025

Robotic surgery emerged in the 1980s as a way to provide emergency medical treatment to astronauts. Today, it’s on the cusp of a major revolution, as AI integration and modular architectures enable faster patient recovery and reduced surgical trauma worldwide.

When engineers first explored robotic telesurgery in the 1980s, they weren’t imagining hospital operating rooms — they were thinking about astronauts hurtling through space. Decades later, that same vision now helps patients on Earth recover faster from complex surgeries, guided by robotic arms and AI-assisted navigation.

IEEE Senior Member Bhushan Jayeshkumar Patel has worked in the surgical robotics industry for a decade, and he sees this origin story not only as a fun fact, but as a reminder of the problem-solving mindset that continues to drive innovation in the field.

“What started as a necessity for remote care in hostile or inaccessible environments now enables greater surgical precision, reduced trauma and faster recovery for patients across the globe,” Patel said.

Here, he discusses new frontiers in surgical innovation and how the incorporation of AI and machine vision is transforming this sector.

What are some of the most common procedures currently being performed with the help of surgical robots, and are there newer, perhaps less common, procedures where they are starting to show significant promise?

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy was also one of the earliest and most widely adopted applications, due to the precision required in nerve-sparing around the prostate. It continues to be one of the most common robotic surgery procedures. Thoracic and cardiac procedures like mitral valve repair and lung repair are growing areas where robotic platforms offer minimally invasive access and enhanced visualization.

There are several emerging areas of promise in which surgical robots can demonstrate transformative potential. In robotic assisted spinal surgery, for example, emerging platforms can now offer extreme precision and screw placement, reducing complications and improving implant accuracy. We’re also seeing the emergence of new capabilities that allow surgeons to repair extremely tiny lymphatic blood vessels that would be a challenge for even the most skilled human hands.

Looking ahead, we are also seeing robotic surgery platforms being tailored for pediatric surgery, where smaller instruments and even gentler tissue handling are essential, and in bariatrics, where patient obesity presents ergonomic and visualization challenges.

From your perspective, what have been the one or two most significant advancements in surgical robotics recently, perhaps in terms of new capabilities, wider adoption or regulatory approvals?

Two major advancements stand out in the past few years: the shift toward open, modular architectures and the regulatory momentum enabling faster global adoption.

Historically, surgical robotics platforms were monolithic, tightly coupled hardware-software systems where surgeons had to adapt their workflow to the robot. Today, we are witnessing a shift. The newer systems are being designed with modularity in mind, allowing greater flexibility and customization for procedural needs.

Another underappreciated but critical advancement is how regulatory frameworks, especially at the FDA and in international markets, have evolved to keep pace with robotic innovation. We’ve seen several major approvals that reflect a growing confidence in robotic platforms’ safety and efficacy.

How is AI being used in surgical robotics today?

One of the most mature uses of AI in surgical robotics is real-time image analysis that leverages AI-powered computer vision to help differentiate anatomical structures, identify landmarks and even anticipate dissection planes, all in real time.

Another powerful application is in the post-operative review and training cycle. AI is being used to analyze thousands of hours of surgical video to benchmark surgical technique, provide automated performance scoring and identify inefficiencies or risk-prone patterns.

While fully autonomous surgery remains a longer-term goal, today’s systems incorporate AI to support semi-autonomous tasks such as camera repositioning, suture guidance or dynamic trajectory adjustment in response to tissue feedback.

What is the current level of autonomy, and how far are we from robots performing more complex tasks independently?

Right now, the robot can provide visual enhancements, movement scaling, tremor filtration and haptic constraints. That’s known as “level one” autonomy. Under level two autonomy, the robot autonomously performs specific subtasks, like cutting a bone in orthopedic surgery, under surgeon supervision. The next frontier is context-aware autonomy, where robots that understand not just motion, but also the intent of the surgeon..

Some barriers to full autonomy exist, particularly the variability of human anatomy. The FDA also requires a human in the loop for critical decision-making. There are also pretty big legal questions. Who is liable when a fully autonomous system makes a mistake?

Looking ahead, what innovations in surgical robotics are you most excited about?

We’re on the cusp of a paradigm shift that will reimagine what robotic surgery can be.

First, true surgical intelligence will emerge. For instance, we’ll see a system that can not only interpret complex anatomy but also anticipate complications before they arise, continuously learn from global data streams and adapt its guidance in the operating room.

We’ll also see huge improvements in visualization that might combine high definition 3D optics with augmented reality and hyperspectral imaging. These will allow surgeons to “see” tumors, vascular networks and critical structures in unprecedented detail.

Sensor technologies and haptics will restore and enhance the surgeon’s sense of touch at a robotic interface. This intimate feedback loop will enable surgeons to perform complex maneuvers with confidence and finesse that rival open surgery, but through tinier incisions.

Last, materials science breakthroughs will enable smaller, smarter and more adaptable robotic instruments, like soft robotics, which are constructed from flexible, biocompatible materials that can safely navigate challenging anatomical pathways. It will be coupled with advances in miniaturization.

Learn More: Did you know there’s a global standard guiding how surgical robots are built? IEEE standard 3177-2024 transforms how we think about safety, AI and modular design in the operation room. By defining secure, modular and interoperable systems, this standard helps ensure that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of safety. In a world where technology volves fast, standards help us move forward with confidence.