British scientists have developed the smallest surgical robot in the world

A team of 100 researchers and engineers uses a low-cost technology - developed for mobile phones and the aerospace industry - to create the first robotic arm designed specifically to Performing a small surgical procedure (keyhole).

This robot is called Versius , it is imitated by the human arm and can perform a series of endoscopic procedures including curettage , colorectal surgery, prostate surgery, ear and nose and neck but just a small hole without the need to use surgery like traditional surgery.

According to the manufacturer - 'Cambridge Medical Machine Company ' (CMR) - this robot is controlled by a surgeon via a console and a three-dimensional screen in the operating room.

The smallest surgical robot in the world can carry out operations for tens to thousands of patients every day.

Although there are now surgical robots, the new product is much easier to use, which accounts for only one-third of the current machine space and costs no more than a surgical one. Small surgical procedures usually do not use robots.

Martin Frost, the company's chief executive, says the use of robots in the operating room is not a new idea. However, the problem at the moment is that they are expensive - not only for the initial cost of $ 2.5 million for the product, but also for the cost of $ 3,800 per user. They are very large in size.

Their function is very poor - only really used in pelvic surgery, and not easily adapt to other types of surgery. In some hospitals, they can only be used once a day. '

Luke Hares, CMR's director of technology, said: ' While traditional industrial robot arms are very large and three-jointed handles, the Versius is about the same size as the human arm and has four The surgery will increase the degree of freedom to an unprecedented level, from all angles, flexibility and accessibility. "

CMR said it had introduced the robot to some national health care centers (UK) and some private hospitals.

The global surgical robot market is worth approximately $ 4 billion a year, however, it is expected to grow to $ 20 billion by 2024.