Elon Musk says machines are already performing operations humans can’t.
Elon Musk predicts robots will soon supersede human surgeons, highlighting their current ability to perform procedures beyond human capabilities.
In a recent X post, the tech mogul estimated that robots will outperform skilled surgeons in a “few years” and surpass the best doctors in roughly five years.
Musk pointed out that Neuralink has used robotic surgeons for brain-computer electrode insertions due to the speed and accuracy required, which he says are “impossible for a human to achieve.”
Musk’s remarks followed an X post by Mario Nawfal, referencing an article on the success of surgical robots like Medtronic’s ‘Hugo,’ which has reportedly been tested in 137 surgeries, including prostate, kidney, and bladder procedures.
Nawfal stated that the results exceeded expectations, with complication rates of 3.7% for prostate surgeries, 1.9% for kidney operations, and 17.9% for bladder procedures.
The post claimed the robots achieved a 98.5% success rate, surpassing the 85% target. It also mentioned that only two of the 137 surgeries required intervention by human doctors due to a malfunction and a “tricky patient case.”
Musk previously suggested that brain-computer interfaces from Neuralink would replace technologies like cell phones.
Neuralink has successfully implanted its coin-sized brain chip in three patients, enabling them to control a computer cursor and play video games like chess and Counter-Strike using only their thoughts. One non-verbal patient was also able to communicate through an AI-generated voice clone using the device.
Musk has announced plans to expand Neuralink’s clinical trials, aiming to implant the brain chip in 20 to 30 more patients in 2025.