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Surgical care is one of the most unequal aspects of global healthcare. In many low- and middle-income countries, access to safe, timely surgery is limited by a shortage of trained surgeons, under-resourced facilities, and long travel distances for patients. But emerging technologies in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) could change that.
Robotic surgical systems—once the preserve of elite hospitals—are becoming more compact, affordable, and adaptable. These machines can assist with highly precise movements during complex procedures, helping reduce the risk of complications and recovery time. When paired with AI, they can learn from thousands of previous surgeries to guide best practice in real time.
For remote or underserved regions, AI-driven robotic surgery opens the door to a future where procedures could be supported—or even performed—with remote supervision by expert surgeons. Training also becomes more scalable, with AI simulations and augmented reality helping new clinicians practise safely and efficiently.
The benefits could be transformative: fewer surgical site infections, shorter hospital stays, and better outcomes overall—even in regions with limited infrastructure. Of course, challenges remain, from costs and technical maintenance to ethical questions around autonomy and oversight.
But with continued investment and global collaboration, robotics and AI may be a crucial step toward equalizing access to safe, high-quality surgical care worldwide.
