San Diego, California Research Team Achieves World's First Real-Time Surgery Using Humanoid Robots

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) have succeeded in performing the world's first real-time remote surgery on animals using humanoid robots. In the experiment conducted on July 14, 2026, two robots were deployed in the operating room to execute precise movements controlled by a remote surgeon.

Standing 5 feet (approximately 152 cm) tall, these robots utilize standard surgical tools rather than expensive specialized equipment and can move freely within a specially designed operating room. Instead of making autonomous medical decisions, the robots function by mirroring the hand movements of the remote surgeon.

The experiment included gallbladder removal surgery performed on a pig. During the first procedure, one robot manipulated the instruments with the assistance of an on-site doctor, while in the second surgery, two robots stood side-by-side, working together as a team.