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Review
. 2025 Jun 4;19(1):267.
doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02435-w.

Where are all the neurosurgery robots?

Dillan Prasad #  1 , Benjamin E Weiss #  2 , Laura A Snyder  3 , Paul M Arnold  4 , Joshua M Rosenow  2
Affiliations
Review

Where are all the neurosurgery robots?

Dillan Prasad et al. J Robot Surg. .

Abstract

Despite substantial advances in engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence, autonomous robots have yet to revolutionize neurosurgery. In this perspective, we examine why neurosurgical robotics lag behind, analyzing economic, regulatory, liability, and cultural hurdles limiting their adoption. Drawing on our collective experience using robotics across different neurosurgical subspecialties, we advocate for cautious optimism-embracing thoughtful integration of robotics to enhance, not replace, the neurosurgeon's critical judgment.

Keywords: Levels of autonomy; Neurosurgical automation; Robot-assisted surgery; Surgical liability; Surgical robotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: No ethics approval was required for this study.

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