Sony presents a microsurgery robot that works on the nucleus of an atom

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Sony has unveiled a new microsurgical tool capable of suturing the nucleus of an corn with extreme precision, in the hope of finding medical applications for this advanced technology.

Sony R&D showed an explanatory video showing small surgical scissors precisely cutting and threading a small core, with the supervision of a human surgeon directing the robot's movements using controllers, to achieve "smooth, vibration-free movements."

“The tool is designed for use in various surgical facilities and scenarios, while making the controller and robot as integrated as possible,” the company said.

The prototype saw its first public test at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Yokohama.

Aichi Medical University surgeons carried out successful tests of the robot, and Sony performed its most daring public "atomic operation" for an IEEE event in May.

Sony said it hopes to use the tool in a range of difficult surgeries, in hospitals and disaster sites.

In February 2024, surgeons and other medical practitioners at Aichi Medical University, with no prior advanced training in microsurgical procedures, used the Sony prototype in an animal surgery trial.

Aichi doctors were able to close an opening between the animal's two blood vessels, with a small diameter of about 0.6 mm.

“Going forward, Sony plans to work with university medical departments and medical institutions to further develop robotic surgical assistance technology and validate its effectiveness,” the company said.