A new robot with flexible joints like a human will be used by the NHS next year to operate on patients.
Known as Versius, it is a third of the size of robots already used by hospitals, such as the da Vinci Xi system.
Experts say this should allow it to perform a wider range of delicate procedures via keyhole surgery, such as hernia repairs.
Each of the robot’s four arms has fully-rotating wrists, controlled by a surgeon sitting at a console with two video game-like joysticks and a 3D screen.
This gives surgeons increased dexterity and a magnified view, which is thought to reduce pain and boost recovery times among patients.
The Versius robot (pictured), which operates on patients, will be used by the NHS next year. It is a third of the size of robots already used by hospitals, which should allow it to perform a wider range of delicate procedures via keyhole surgery, such as hernia repairs
Why use robots over surgeons?
According to Mark Slack, who co-founded CMR Surgical, the company behind Versius, teaching surgeons to suture takes around 80 hours. Suturing is a method of closing wounds by holding body tissues together and ‘sewing’.
When using Versius, the technique can be mastered in as little as half an hour, he added.
The robot is modeled on the human arm but has a greater range of movement and does not tire.
Dr Hachach-Haram, who is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons’ Commission on the Future of Surgery, agrees robots may be able to automatically close wounds, but adds humans will remain in control of operations.
The Versius robot is expected to receive a European health and safety approval mark within the next few months, ready for its launch next year.
Its price is unclear, however, CMR Surgical aims for it to be more cost effective than da Vinci, which costs around £2 million and is used in over 70 hospitals in the UK.
Although expensive, doctors have previously said such systems pay for themselves in the long term by allowing patients to return home quicker with less hospital care requirements.
Martin Frost, CEO at CMR Surgical, said: ‘We believe Versius represents a paradigm shift in surgery.
‘The ground-breaking design, coupled with genuine affordability, means that patients everywhere have the potential to benefit from the advantages of minimal access surgery.
‘Versius is a great example of British innovation and its launch represents a pivotal moment in the next chapter of surgery and patient care.’
How is Versius different to da Vinci?
Unlike da Vinci, which is around 6ft tall by 6ft wide and weighs three quarters of a tonne, Versius is approximately 2ftx2ft and around a third of the former’s weight.
Mr Frost previously said larger robots force surgeons to make use of the limited space around them, making such systems difficult to use.
Versius’ smaller size means it can be more easily set up and moved between hospital rooms, according to CMR Surgical.
Mr Frost added Da Vinci is only really suitable for pelvic surgery.
Nadine Hachach-Haram, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, told the BBC: ‘The newer generation robots are more versatile, compact and cost-effective, which means we can deliver robotic surgery locally and not in large hospitals with dedicated robotic suites.’
Each of the robot’s four arms has flexible joints and fully-rotating wrists, which are controlled by a surgeon sitting at a console with two video game-like joysticks and a 3D screen