In the 1972 science fiction film Silent Running, three spaceship service robots are reprogrammed to perform surgery on a grisly leg injury suffered by the movie’s main character. Metal arms and tools cut away clothing and stitch the bloody wound before, in a surprisingly touching moment, one of the faceless drones gently wraps the injury in bright white bandages.
It is often said that science fiction is on the verge of becoming fact, and nowhere more so than in surgery. As artificial intelligence technology advances at a blistering pace, AI-powered robots are set to perform an increasingly wide range of operations in place of highly skilled physicians, and may sometimes even achieve better results.
For at least some operations, the surgeon’s role could become one of oversight, monitoring the robot and making adjustments to improve accuracy, or intervening if things go wrong. More tasks are likely to be “peeled off and handled by the robot system”, allowing the surgeon to focus on the more critical aspects of a given procedure, according to Dr Jeremy Brown, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, US.
“The more we do that, the more systems are going to learn … It’s going to be more and more autonomy with systems as they progress,” Dr Brown said during an online briefing for journalists organised by the university. Among the factors driving the adoption of robotic surgery is an increase in the number of operations as the global population ages.
About 310 million major surgeries are carried out annually, with robots already involved in about four million, such as in preparing joints to receive a replacement hip. Laser eye surgery and radiotherapy are other procedures in which robotics are already involved, while in a research setting robots have carried out gallbladder removal.
“There is an upcoming health care crisis, particularly in surgery. We have fewer surgeons available,” said Dr Axel Krieger, an associate professor of mechanical engineering who researches robotic surgery at Johns Hopkins. “We also have an ageing, growing society, so the caseload is projected to rise more than twofold in the next 10 years. We really need more assistance to keep up with that rising caseload.”
Another factor driving the move to robotics, Dr Krieger said, is the transition towards minimally invasive procedures.
A thin, flexible endoscope tube can be passed either through the mouth, another natural orifice or a single incision into the body to provide images or video, with a surgeon watching on a screen and remotely controlling instruments sent in with the endoscope. Such operations typically involve less blood loss or scarring, and a faster recovery.
Next level
For more than two decades various types of robot systems have been in use, with some made up of an arm equipped with several multi-jointed instruments. Increasingly, AI trained on vast amounts of data from previous operations, these systems could control the instruments or provide guidance to the surgeon.
“These procedures are becoming harder and harder for the surgeons to perform,” Dr Krieger said. “We need more assistance. Robots can play a huge role in enabling that minimally invasive technology.”
Such AI assistance can be helpful in, for example, cochlear implant surgery, where incredible precision is needed. Here, the surgeon is operating as close as 1mm to key facial nerves, damage to which could partially paralyse the patient’s face.
Dr Krieger’s research team has developed a two-armed robot that can, for example, close tubular structures for bowel surgery. The AI that controls the robot improves as it is trained on more data.
“All the architecture needs is the video input and it generates the robot action directly,” Dr Krieger said. “How it learns is by watching human experts do this procedure. So we do different demonstrations of these subtasks and give that to the learning model and it can fully execute these surgical subtasks.”
Suturing is carried out autonomously with a surgeon watching and making adjustments, with the robot producing stitches that are 3mm apart – and more evenly spaced than those by a surgeon.
“We can outperform expert surgeons on some key metrics,” Dr Krieger said. “We have fewer of these hesitancy events when we misplace a needle and have to pull it back out. The goal is to reduce complications, democratise access to everyone for expert surgery and alleviate the shortage of trained surgeons.”
Getting the message across
A key issue with robotic surgery or robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is whether it will be accepted by both the public and medical professionals.
Dr Aseel Takshe, chair of the Public Health Department at the Canadian University Dubai, said research indicated that there were generally “positive perceptions” of RAS among UAE healthcare employees.
“RAS is being adopted in several surgical specialities in the UAE, including general surgery, urology, brain surgery and obstetrics/gynaecology,” she said.
“While there are some reservations – cost and lack of RAS training, limited public awareness of RAS, potential malfunction during the procedure – healthcare professionals in the UAE recognise RAS’s potential benefits for precision, patient outcomes and advancing surgical capabilities.”
Healthcare providers can do much to ensure public acceptance, she said, including by ensuring that patients are well informed and that they understand robot-assisted surgery and its benefits.
“Hospitals offering RAS are often perceived as more advanced or better quality,” she said. “This perception can influence patient choice of healthcare providers.”
In future, robotic surgery will not just be about using robots to carry out existing procedures: computer simulations will allow for new procedures to be developed for AI-powered robots.
Dr Mathias Unberath, an associate professor in Johns Hopkins University's Department of Computer Science, said that a clinical study was not required to trial new types of surgery. Instead, computer simulations could develop new procedures and train the AI.
“The only thing I need is a computer and a little bit of time on the graphics card,” he said. “We can generate millions of highly realistic data samples with the corresponding ground truth directly from human-based models.”
He said that autonomy would become “a ubiquitous part” of surgery in at least the mid or long term, with the role of humans in the operating theatre fundamentally changing to one of supervision.
“It is the beginning of something that is going to be very exciting, especially as AI and machine learning technology is growing stronger by the minute,” he said. “There is a whole lot of reason for optimism and excitement because this technology that we’re developing today is going to have a transformational impact on health care and therefore on the benefits to patients.”
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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Company profile
Date started: December 24, 2018
Founders: Omer Gurel, chief executive and co-founder and Edebali Sener, co-founder and chief technology officer
Based: Dubai Media City
Number of employees: 42 (34 in Dubai and a tech team of eight in Ankara, Turkey)
Sector: ConsumerTech and FinTech
Cashflow: Almost $1 million a year
Funding: Series A funding of $2.5m with Series B plans for May 2020
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%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20will%20host%20Scotland%20for%20a%20three-match%20T20I%20series%20at%20the%20Dubai%20International%20Stadium%20next%20month.%3Cbr%3EThe%20two%20sides%20will%20start%20their%20Cricket%20World%20Cup%20League%202%20campaigns%20with%20a%20tri-series%20also%20involving%20Canada%2C%20starting%20on%20January%2029.%3Cbr%3EThat%20series%20will%20be%20followed%20by%20a%20bilateral%20T20%20series%20on%20March%2011%2C%2013%20and%2014.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
FIXTURES
New Zealand v France, second Test
Saturday, 12.35pm (UAE)
Auckland, New Zealand
South Africa v Wales
Sunday, 12.40am (UAE), San Juan, Argentina
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
Bharatanatyam
A ancient classical dance from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Intricate footwork and expressions are used to denote spiritual stories and ideas.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE
There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.
It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.
What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.
When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.
It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.
This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.
It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Hurricanes 31-31 Lions
Wellington Hurricanes:
Tries: Gibbins, Laumape, Goosen, Fifita tries, Barrett
Conversions: Barrett (4)
Penalties: Barrett
British & Irish Lions:
Tries: Seymour (2), North
Conversions: Biggar (2)
Penalties: Biggar (4)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
