PREVIEW

A robot trained by watching surgeons has performed surgeries with human-like skill for the first time. The breakthrough in imitation learning could revolutionise robotic surgery by eliminating the need for programming each movement. Researchers at Johns Hopkins showcased the findings at the Conference on Robot Learning in Munich. The da Vinci Surgical System robot mastered needle manipulation, tissue lifting, and suturing after training with video data. Using AI similar to ChatGPT, the model translates robotic movements into precise mathematical angles. The training involved analysing hundreds of surgical videos from cameras on da Vinci robots worldwide. Despite da Vinci's known limitations, the model ensures accuracy by focusing on relative, not absolute, movements. Researchers claim the robot adapts to new environments and self-corrects errors like dropped needles. The system could train robots for various procedures in days, speeding progress toward fully autonomous surgery. The innovation may enhance precision, reduce errors, and accelerate robotic surgical capabilities.