Robots Make Mistakes Too

Fearful that robots may be taking over? Relax. It is not happening yet. A study by researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rush University Medical Center found “a non-negligible number of technical difficulties and complications” during procedures performed by robots. The report is titled “Adverse Events in Robotic Surgery.”

Researchers examined 10, 624 events that were related to the use of robotic systems and instruments. Of these, they found that 1, 535 had adverse results with negative impacts on patients. In 1, 391 cases there were injuries to patients. In 144 cases deaths resulted. Malfunctions of the robot device accounted for 9, 061 of the cases. Cardiothoracic and head and neck surgery had the highest rates of injury or death, according to the report.

Investigators attributed the problems to the complexity of the procedures, the infrequent use of robotic devices and less expertise in using robotic instruments. They wrote, “some of the reported events could be prevented by employing substantially improved safety practices and controls in the design and operation of surgical systems.”

They noted that “As healthcare professionals increasingly use computer consoles and robotic tools in care, it is creating a need for a more tech-savvy workforce in the industry.”