Pioneering Autonomous Robotic Surgery

KUKA robot in operation in the OR-X as part of the FAROS project.

Pioneering Autonomous Robotic Surgery

The FAROS project (Functionally Accurate RObotic Surgery) was launched in 2021 with the ambitious goal of developing surgical robots that possess human-like sensory capabilities.

One of the most significant challenges in robotic surgery is the inability of current systems to respond to sensory inputs in the same way human surgeons do. FAROS addressed this limitation by creating robots capable of "feeling" their environment, enabling them to autonomously perform delicate surgical tasks that require an understanding of subtle anatomical variations. Spearheaded by the University Hospital Balgrist and the University of Zurich, in collaboration with international research partners from Sorbonne University (France), King's College London (UK), KU Leuven (Belgium), and industrial partner Spineguard (France), FAROS set out to equip robots with the ability to autonomously perform complex surgical procedures. These robots aimed to mimic the human senses, using non-visual inputs such as touch, sound, and pressure to navigate and adapt in real time during intricate surgeries, including high-precision spinal operations.

Watch Our FAROS-Highlights

Integration and validation in the OR-X

  • KUKA robot standing in the operating room is ready for operation.
  • Part of the FAROS team standing in the OR-X for a group picture.
  • Scans shown on the computer screen.
  • Scientific team checks the analytical analyses of an experiment on the computer.
Integration and validation in the OR-X

Throughout the project, OR-X served as the key research and testing platform. Its state-of-the-art facilities allowed the research team to integrate and validate the FAROS prototypes in both ex-vivo (outside the living body) and in-vivo (within living organisms) settings, simulating real surgical conditions. OR-X’s advanced infrastructure played a vital role in overcoming the technical challenges associated with surgical robotics and sensor technology.

After three years of intensive research and development, FAROS reached a successful conclusion in 2024. Funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, the final prototype demonstrated promising results, validated in real surgical scenarios, marking a significant advancement in the field of autonomous robotic surgery. While the system has not yet reached clinical application, the progress achieved through the FAROS project sets the stage for future innovations in surgical robotics.