21-Aug-2017: UK scientists develop World’s smallest surgical robot

Scientists in the UK have developed the world's smallest surgical robot with low-cost technology used in mobile phones and space industries. The robot is called Versius. The robot is controlled by a surgeon at a console guided by a 3D screen in the operating theatre.

It mimics the human arm and can be used to carry out a wide range of procedures in which a series of small incisions are made to circumvent the need for traditional open surgery. These include hernia repairs, colorectal operations, as well as prostate, ear, nose and throat surgery.

The robot is much easier to use than existing systems, and take up about a third of the space of current machines. It works like a human arm and contains technology that detects resistance to make sure the right amount of force is used when the instruments are inside the patient. Such procedures reduce complications and pain after surgery and speed up recovery time for patients.