Synopsis
Elon Musk predicts that robots will outperform the best human surgeons within five years, driven by recent advancements in medical robotics. Discover how companies like Neuralink and Medtronic are revolutionizing surgery with cutting-edge technology and what this means for the future of healthcare.Key Takeaways
- Robots are expected to surpass human surgeons within five years.
- Neuralink uses robots for precise brain-computer electrode insertion.
- Medtronic's robotic system has shown a success rate of over 98% in surgeries.
- Complication rates for robotic surgeries are significantly low.
- Neuralink aims to develop brain-controlled devices for those with disabilities.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) In light of the remarkable advancements in robotic technology within the medical field, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk stated on Monday that robots hold the capability to outshine the finest human surgeons in just five years.
The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX noted that his brain-computer interface firm, Neuralink, relies on robots for the insertion of brain-computer electrodes, a task deemed unachievable by human hands.
“In a few years, robots will surpass proficient human surgeons, and within five years, they will outdo the best,” Musk conveyed in a message on the social media platform X.
“Neuralink was compelled to utilize a robot for the brain-computer electrode insertion due to the necessity for speed and precision that humans cannot achieve,” he elaborated.
This comment followed a post from influencer Mario Nawfal, who brought attention to a recent medical robotics breakthrough from the US-based medical device company Medtronic.
Nawfal mentioned that Medtronic successfully utilized its Hugo robotic system in “137 actual surgeries—repairing prostates, kidneys, and bladders.”
The surgical outcomes exceeded the doctors' expectations, achieving a “success rate of over 98 percent.”
Additionally, complication rates were significantly low for prostate surgeries (3.7 percent), kidney surgeries (1.9 percent), and bladder surgeries (17.9 percent).
Out of the 137 surgeries, only two required a return to traditional surgery—one due to a robot malfunction and the other due to a complicated patient case, according to Nawfal.
Meanwhile, Musk’s Neuralink is currently conducting a clinical trial for its brain-computer interface technology, aiming to develop brain-controlled devices for individuals with paralysis or neurodegenerative conditions.
While the devices are not yet available for commercial use, three individuals have successfully received a Neuralink brain implant.
“If all progresses well, we could see hundreds of individuals with Neuralinks in a few years, potentially tens of thousands in five years, and millions within a decade,” Musk shared on X in 2024.
