Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Chinese Researchers Develop Robotic System for Eye Surgeries
Chinese scientists have created a robot that can help with very delicate eye surgeries.
This robot is really good at making tiny injections in the eye, which is very hard for humans to do.
The robot uses special computer programs to see in 3D, position itself very precisely, and move smoothly.
In tests, the robot made fewer mistakes than humans or even surgeons controlling robots.
This could make eye surgeries safer and more consistent.
It might also help people in faraway places get the eye care they need, even if there aren't many expert doctors around.
Earlier, a similar robot helped doctors perform a surgery on a patient who was very far away, using a special internet connection.
Chinese researchers developed an autonomous robotic system for delicate eye injections, enhancing precision and safety in retinal surgeries.
The robot uses advanced algorithms for 3D spatial perception, precise positioning, and trajectory control to guide a robotic arm.
In tests, the robot reduced positioning errors by 80% compared to manual surgery and 55% compared to surgeon-controlled robotic surgery.
The system successfully performed subretinal and intravascular injections in animal tests with 100% success.
The technology could enable complex eye operations in remote areas, potentially shortening surgeon training periods and improving surgical consistency.
- Who
- Researchers from the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- What
- Developed an autonomous robotic system for delicate eye injections
- When
- Details published in Science Robotics; previous remote surgery in November 2025
- Where
- China
- Why
- To enhance precision and safety in eye surgeries, especially for retinal diseases, and to enable complex operations in remote areas
- Developer
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Journal
- Science Robotics
- Success Rate
- 100% in animal tests
- Error Reduction
- 80% compared to manual surgery, 55% compared to surgeon-controlled robotic surgery
- Potential Benefits
- Enhanced precision, safety, consistency; shorter surgeon training periods; complex operations in remote areas
- Previous Remote Surgery
- November 2025, retinal injection over 4,000 kilometers away using 5G-connected robot