Robotic surgery has become a familiar part of modern healthcare, but the machines used in operating theatres are usually purpose-built systems designed for a narrow set of tasks. humanoid robots, despite rapid advances in recent years, have largely remained outside the surgical environment.

Researchers say humanoid surgeons can be deployed ‘anywhere from rural areas, to the battlefield, and even to space’

UCSD researchers used teleoperated Unitree G1 humanoid robots to complete seven live surgical procedures, including gallbladder removal, for the first time