Pioneering Autonomous Robotic Surgery

Giving Surgical Robots Human-Like Senses

Giving Surgical Robots Human-Like Senses

One of the major limitations of current robotic systems is their restricted ability to interpret and respond to sensory information in the way human surgeons naturally do during surgery. Launched in 2021, the FAROS project (Functionally Accurate RObotic Surgery) set out to address this challenge by developing surgical robots with human-like sensory capabilities. Led by Balgrist University Hospital and the University of Zurich, the project was conducted in collaboration with Sorbonne University (France), King’s College London (UK), KU Leuven (Belgium) and the industrial partner SpineGuard (France).

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Integration and Validation at 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 at the OR-X

Within the project, robotic systems were developed to use non-visual sensory inputs such as touch, sound and pressure to navigate and adapt during complex surgical procedures. Particular attention was given to high-precision spine surgery, where subtle anatomical variations require continuous sensory feedback and accurate intraoperative decision-making.

Throughout the project, the OR-X served as the central environment for integrating and testing the FAROS prototypes under realistic surgical conditions. Using both ex vivo and in vivo settings, the research team evaluated robotic systems, sensor technologies and surgical workflows within a controlled operative setup. This near-clinical infrastructure enabled the continuous refinement of multimodal sensing technologies and robotic navigation systems throughout the different stages of development.

From Research to Future Surgical Robotics

From Research to Future Surgical Robotics

After three years of research and development, FAROS successfully concluded in 2024. Funded through the EU Horizon 2020 program, the final prototype demonstrated promising results under realistic surgical conditions, representing an important step forward in autonomous robotic surgery.

While the system has not yet reached clinical application, the project established an important foundation for future developments in surgical robotics and sensor-guided autonomous systems.