Artificial Intelligence in Robotic Surgery: A Global Review

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly reshaped the field of robotic surgery, heralding a transformative shift in contemporary surgical methodologies. Evolving from rudimentary mechanical aids to sophisticated AI-integrated systems, robotic surgery now operates as a high-precision, real-time, and data-adaptive domain. The incorporation of AI introduces cognitive intelligence into surgical robotics, empowering these systems to analyse intricate anatomical structures, identify anomalies, propose optimized surgical strategies, and, in certain instances, perform procedural steps semi-autonomously under clinical supervision. This global review investigates the development and current landscape of AI in robotic surgery, covering its technological foundations, core algorithms, clinical applications, and economic implications. Modern AI-driven surgical platforms utilize advanced technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing to assist with decision-making, precision incision, intraoperative diagnostics, and personalized patient care. These intelligent systems facilitate pre- operative planning using comprehensive patient data, deliver real-time imaging and assistance during surgery, and predict post-operative outcomes. One of the most remarkable innovations lies in AI's ability to guide surgeons during procedures—enabling automated segmentation of tissues, recognition of surgical movements, and identification of anatomical landmarks with greater precision than human visual perception. Furthermore, AI contributes to skill evaluation, simulation- based training, and the reduction of intraoperative errors through proactive alerts. The global market for AI in surgery is experiencing rapid expansion, projected to grow from USD 6.4 billion in 2022 to approximately USD 25.2 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for minimally invasive techniques, rising incidences of chronic diseases, an aging global population, and continuous technological advancement. Despite these promising trends, several challenges persist—including high implementation costs, complexities in data governance, ethical dilemmas, and limited infrastructure in under-resourced regions. In addition to technical and economic factors, ethical and psychological dimensions play a critical role in the discourse around AI in surgery, raising vital questions about autonomy, control, trust, and accountability. This review synthesizes insights from academic literature, clinical research, and global trends to offer a comprehensive perspective on the influence of AI in robotic surgery. It critically evaluates the profound benefits alongside the intricate challenges, while also drawing philosophical parallels between human cognition and artificial intelligence within life-critical medical contexts.

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