Breakthrough in Surgical Robotics: Johns Hopkins Robot Performs Gallbladder Removal with 100% Accuracy
In a historic milestone, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a fully autonomous surgical robot that successfully performed a gallbladder removal—without human intervention.
Watan-In a scientific first in robotic surgery, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. announced the successful performance of a fully autonomous robotic gallbladder removal, achieving 100% precision. The experiment is being hailed as a turning point toward a future where surgical procedures may rely on independent robotic systems, according to Sky News.
Researchers revealed that the robot was able to carry out the surgery on a human-mimicking model with extreme accuracy, following advanced training using video recordings of real surgeries. This allowed it to make instant decisions and respond to surprises much like a human surgeon would inside an operating room.
Commenting on the experiment, Dr. Axel Krieger, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins, said:”What we’ve achieved is a shift from robots that follow pre-set commands to systems that understand the full surgical context. This is a genuine technological leap that brings us closer to medical environments where robots can make decisions and adapt autonomously.”
The Operation in Detail:
The surgery consisted of 17 critical steps, including identifying arteries and ducts, strategically placing surgical clips, and removing the gallbladder using precision tools. Even when a dye was introduced to change tissue appearance, the robot maintained high performance without direct human control.
The device responded to voice commands like “hold the gallbladder’s head” and “move the left arm slightly,” showcasing remarkable interaction capabilities.
The system is powered by machine learning models similar to those behind AI tools like ChatGPT, enabling it to adapt to different patient anatomies and self-correct during procedures.
Published Findings:
The study was funded by federal agencies and its results were published in the journal Science Robotics.
The researchers compared this feat to a 2022 experiment, where a robot operated on a pig—but only under highly controlled settings and a fixed surgical plan. The current advancement, says Krieger, is like going from driving on a single track to navigating through dynamic, multi-lane city traffic.
Expert Caution:
Dr. Noha Yassin, robotic surgery consultant and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, welcomed the breakthrough but urged caution:“While the results are promising, clinical trials on humans remain the ultimate test of safety and efficacy—especially when it comes to patient well-being.”
Although the robot took longer than a human surgeon to complete the operation, the quality and outcomes matched those of a skilled human professional.
The research team is now expanding trials to include other types of surgeries, potentially marking the beginning of a new era in autonomous robotic surgery.
