US Researchers Succeed in Remote Laparoscopic Surgery on Pigs Using Chinese Humanoid Robot

Successful Cholecystectomy Using Unitree Robot from China

Potential for General-Purpose Humanoids in Medical Settings

American researchers have performed remote laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pigs using a humanoid robot developed by the Chinese robotics company Unitree (Wisukezhi).

American researchers performed remote robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy on pigs using a humanoid robot from the Chinese robotics company Unitree (Weisu Keji). Photo captured from the University of California San Diego YouTube channel.

On July 11, Hong Kong's Ming Pao and other outlets reported that a research team from the University of California remotely operated Unitree's G1 humanoid robot to conduct laparoscopic cholecystectomy on experimental pigs. The results of this study were published in the international academic journal Nature on July 8 (local time). The researchers stated, "This is the first case to demonstrate the possibility of conducting laparoscopic surgery on living subjects by remotely operating a general-purpose humanoid robot."

The surgery was conducted twice using two different methods. In one approach, a single robot collaborated with a surgeon who played a supporting role. In the other, two robots were remotely controlled by surgeons and performed the surgery together. The research team developed a remote surgical platform that transmits the surgeon's hand movements to the robot in real time, enabling the robot to use laparoscopic surgical instruments.

The main steps of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, such as laparoscopic port insertion, tissue retraction, gallbladder dissection, clip ligation, and gallbladder removal, were performed during the procedure. The researchers reported that although there were minor bile leaks and bleeding during the surgery, all issues were properly managed. They also explained that in the second surgery, which utilized two robots, the remote operation time was reduced from 56 minutes to 32 minutes, and the number of times the robots needed to be repositioned decreased, indicating improved efficiency.

The Unitree robot stands 152 cm tall and weighs 27 kg, making it possible to use it without the need for modifications to existing operating rooms. The researchers assessed that the study demonstrates the feasibility of applying general-purpose humanoid robots, rather than expensive robots exclusively designed for surgery, in medical settings, potentially laying the groundwork for future advancements in medical technology. They added, "Such robots could be utilized in remote communities where securing medical personnel is difficult, or in challenging environments such as search and rescue operations that require large-scale on-site medical support within a short period of time."

However, the researchers also noted that issues such as communication delays, limited arm mobility, and the need for frequent recalibration remain challenges to be addressed in the future.

This year, humanoid robots and children are performing together at the Chinese Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala. Photo by CCTV

Meanwhile, foreign media reported that this study was led by Liang Zekai, a Chinese graduate student currently pursuing a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering at the university. Additionally, Unitree is recognized as a leading Chinese humanoid robotics company and drew attention earlier this year when its humanoid robots performed a group dance at the China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala show.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.