For years, artificial intelligence has been transforming industries from software development to customer service. Now, it is beginning to reshape the operating room.
In a first for documented medical history, a humanoid robot has assisted in the removal of a gallbladder from a living patient as part of a series of live surgical procedures conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego.
The trials, conducted in early July 2026 at UC San Diego’s Advanced Robotics and Controls Lab (ARCLab), included seven medical procedures ranging from routine physical examinations to complex surgeries. The achievement offers a glimpse into how humanoid robots could one day support surgeons by enabling highly precise, remotely operated procedures.
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The research team used Unitree G1 humanoid robots controlled entirely by human operators using motion capture technology, foot pedals, and tracking systems. The setup allowed the robots to coordinate both arms simultaneously, performing delicate surgical tasks such as holding tissue with one hand while cutting with the other, closely mirroring the movements of a human surgeon.
The project was led by Professor Michael Yip in collaboration with surgeons Charles Goldberg and Preetham Suresh from the UC San Diego School of Medicine. The researchers emphasized that the procedures were not autonomous. Every movement was directed by a surgeon in real time, with the humanoid robot serving as an extension of the surgeon’s hands rather than making decisions on its own.
The successful demonstrations mark an important step toward expanding robotic assistance in healthcare, particularly in situations where surgeons may need to operate remotely or perform highly precise procedures with enhanced control.
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While UC San Diego is exploring humanoid robots for surgical assistance, other institutions are taking different approaches to the same challenge. Johns Hopkins University, for example, has been developing autonomous surgical systems using non-humanoid robotic platforms, underscoring that there is no single path toward the future of robot-assisted healthcare.
UC San Diego’s approach is distinct because it uses humanoid robots designed to function in environments already built for people. Unlike specialized robotic systems that may require dedicated equipment or changes to hospital infrastructure, humanoid robots could eventually integrate into existing operating rooms with fewer modifications, potentially making adoption more practical.
Despite the successful demonstrations, widespread clinical use is still years away. The procedures took place in a controlled research environment, and introducing the technology into hospitals will require extensive clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and rigorous safety evaluations. Healthcare systems will also need to establish new standards for training, liability, and insurance before robot-assisted humanoid surgery can become part of routine medical care.