Thanks to advanced algorithms and imaging systems, the STAR robot successfully performed laparoscopic surgery on pigs without human assistance.
On January 26, Johns Hopkins University announced that the Smart Autonomous Robot for Surgery (STAR) successfully completed a soft tissue surgical procedure on four pigs, marking a significant advancement towards fully automated surgery in humans. Detailed information was published in the journal Science Robotics.
STAR can perform laparoscopic surgery on soft tissue in pigs without human assistance. (Photo: Johns Hopkins University/PA)
Specifically, STAR accurately connected two ends of the intestine—a challenging procedure in gastrointestinal surgery that requires surgeons to suture with high precision and consistency. Even a slight deviation in hand positioning or suturing can lead to leaks and serious complications for the patient.
This is the first time a robot has conducted laparoscopic surgery without human assistance, according to Professor Axel Krieger at Johns Hopkins University, a member of the research team. “The new results show that we can automate one of the most complex and sophisticated tasks in surgery: reconnecting two ends of the intestine. STAR performed surgery on four animals and achieved significantly better results than humans performing the same procedure,” Krieger stated.
The STAR robot is an upgraded version of the 2016 model that performed intestinal surgery on pigs, which at that time required a larger incision to access the intestines and needed more guidance from humans.
In the new trial, STAR was guided by a tracking algorithm based on machine learning technology. This algorithm was developed by Professor Jin Kang at Johns Hopkins University along with his students. Additionally, the robot utilized a special endoscope. The new features enhance surgical accuracy, including specialized suturing tools and imaging systems that provide more precise visuals.
Soft tissue surgery presents unique challenges for robots due to its unpredictable nature. If obstacles arise during the procedure, the robot must quickly adapt to handle them. STAR is equipped with a new control system that can adjust the surgical plan in real-time, similar to a human surgeon.
“STAR is the first robotic system that plans, adapts, and executes soft tissue surgical plans with minimal human intervention. That is what makes STAR special,” remarked scientist Hamed Saeidi, a member of the research team.
