Researchers have outlined a staged framework for integrating bipedal humanoid robots into operating rooms to perform support tasks. A perspective published in npj Digital Medicine by Kernbach, Brat, Topol, and colleagues proposes using embodied AI to assist surgical teams. The researchers suggest humanoids could initially handle low-risk perioperative duties before advancing to direct surgical assistance.
Unlike conventional precision-oriented surgical robots, these systems are envisioned as general-purpose assistants. They feature bipedal mobility and bimanual dexterity, allowing them to navigate human-designed environments. The proposed framework outlines two specific roles. Acting as circulating nurses, the robots would manage supplies, operate non-sterile devices, and coordinate with external staff. Acting as scrub nurses, they would maintain the sterile field, hand instruments to surgeons in the correct orientation, and monitor for contamination in real time. To execute these tasks, the robots would rely on real-time perception and vision-language reasoning to follow verbal or visual instructions.
The authors state plainly that evidence proving safety, clinical benefit, or improved surgical outcomes does not yet exist. The true costs of clinical deployment also remain unknown. Moving these systems from the laboratory to real-world surgical practice requires phased validation, alongside strict regulatory and ethical oversight. The robots would start with teleoperated or closely supervised tasks before taking on elevated-risk roles involving direct interaction with surgical instruments.
Operating rooms face persistent staffing pressures and workflow interruptions. If humanoids can safely take over repetitive equipment management and setup tasks, clinical staff can focus entirely on the patient and the procedure.