Where are all the neurosurgery robots?

Journal: Journal of robotic surgery
Published Date:

Abstract

Despite substantial advances in engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence, autonomous robots have yet to revolutionize neurosurgery. In this perspective, we examine why neurosurgical robotics lag behind, analyzing economic, regulatory, liability, and cultural hurdles limiting their adoption. Drawing on our collective experience using robotics across different neurosurgical subspecialties, we advocate for cautious optimism-embracing thoughtful integration of robotics to enhance, not replace, the neurosurgeon's critical judgment.

Authors

  • Dillan Prasad
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. dillan@northwestern.edu.
  • Benjamin E Weiss
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
  • Laura A Snyder
    Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
  • Paul M Arnold
    1Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign; and.
  • Joshua M Rosenow
    Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.