---
title: "Medicine of the Future: Demonstration of the Universal Robotic Surgical System"
description: "Your 'doctor of tomorrow' may be decidedly more metallic."
date: "2015-11-28"
modified: "2015-11-28"
authors:
  - name: "June Javelosa"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/javelosa-junegmail-com"
url: "https://futurism.com/robots-may-soon-assisting-doctors-surgery"
categories:
  - "Health & Medicine"
  - "Medical"
  - "Robotics"
  - "Robots and Machines"
  - "RX and Medicine"
tags:
  - "addenbrooke"
  - "cambridge medical robotics"
  - "surgery"
---

# Medicine of the Future: Demonstration of the Universal Robotic Surgical System

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Wings_Laparoscopic_operating_theatre.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: \<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wings_Laparoscopic_operating_theatre.jpg" target="\_blank"\>Dr. Jayesh Amin\</a\>\</em\>*

##### Robot Hands

[Cambridge Medical Robotics](<http://cmedrobotics.com/news/2015/successful-demonstration-of-prototype-universal-robotic-surgical-system/>) (CMR) has developed a next-generation robotic system designed to assist surgeons for minimal access surgery. For many, it may not be a comfort to think of a cold, unthinking robot performing surgery on them; however, keep in mind that robots are able to act with much more precision than the average human. And of course, there is always a long testing stage—and they also won't be flying entirely solo (at least, not yet).

Also, although it may be a little unnerving, similar robotic systems are already in operation in hospitals around the world. See a robotic surgery demonstration using an early model of the Da Vinci Surgical System in the video below (note: this was produced in 2012).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ_3GJNz4fg

The Cambridge prototype features several collaborative robotic arms that mimic a surgeon’s movements and is versatile enough to be repositioned for numerous delicate procedures inside a surgical theater.

The system includes 3D high-definition imaging technology and has force feedback that is meant to allow it to assist surgeons with comfort and ease. It also has a fully maneuverable wristed system. But perhaps most notably, robotic minimal access surgery may be more affordable than other competing technologies or methods. And while robots may be an expensive one-off fee, it is far easier to pay or a robot's operational costs than to pay for that of a human, which is precisely why automation took over during the industrial revolution.

##### Lend a Hand

[![Image credit: CMR](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cmr.png>)](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cmr.png>)
*Image credit: CMR*

In a press release, [medical director Mark Slack stated his views](<http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Robot-help-surgeons-unveiled-Cambridge-Medical/story-28227810-detail/story.html>) regarding, what he feels is, the inevitable robot takeover: "Within the next decade I believe versatile surgical robotic systems will become a standard feature in operating theatres and a critical extension of the modern day surgeon.” Indeed, the technology is unique given its versatility and its accessibility, making it a valuable addition to the surgical robotic market as it allows more surgeons to deliver keyhole surgical procedures to more patients.