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Elon Musk has predicted that surgical robots will outperform even the best human surgeons within five years. Highlighting advancements by Neuralink, his brain-chip company, Musk points to the growing precision and necessity of robotic assistance in delicate medical procedures.

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Elon Musk Predicts Robotic Surgeons Will Surpass Humans Within 5 Years

In a bold projection about the future of medical technology, tech billionaire Elon Musk stated that robots could soon surpass human surgeons in both skill and precision. He believes this transition could happen in as little as five years, ushering in a new era of robotics-driven healthcare.

This forecast comes from Musk’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter), where he commented, “Robots will surpass good human surgeons within a few years and the best human surgeons within ~5 years.” His confidence is based on firsthand experience through Neuralink, a company he founded that is developing brain-computer interface technology.

What Is Neuralink and Why Does It Matter?

Neuralink is developing cutting-edge implants that allow people to interact with computers using only their thoughts. To perform the highly delicate implantation of these devices, the company relies on robotic assistance. Musk noted that the company had to build a custom surgical robot for the procedure, as human hands simply lack the required precision and speed.

According to Neuralink’s website, the threads used in the implants are so fine that only a robot can insert them accurately into the brain. The company’s robotic system is specifically engineered to handle this complexity, ensuring consistent, safe, and efficient implantation.

A Look at the First Neuralink Patient

Neuralink made headlines earlier this year when it livestreamed a session showing its first brain-implant recipient, Noland Arbaugh, using the device to play chess on a computer purely through mental control. Despite the breakthrough, Neuralink later revealed that some of the implanted threads had retracted from the brain, leaving only about 15% in place.

However, not all updates have been setbacks. In August 2024, Neuralink confirmed that no thread retraction had been seen in the second implant recipient, signaling improvements in both the technology and the implantation process.

Broader Implications for Robotics in Daily Life

Musk’s vision of robotic surgeons is part of a larger trend in automation and artificial intelligence. Tesla, another company under Musk’s leadership, is also working on humanoid robots designed to handle dangerous, monotonous, or repetitive tasks.

These developments extend beyond manufacturing and healthcare. Robots are increasingly being created for companionship and emotional support, raising questions about their roles in both industry and society.

While some celebrate these advances, others remain cautious. In response to Musk’s prediction, U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah remarked, “Sounds like a win for humans,” suggesting a mix of optimism and concern over the expanding role of machines in human lives.

Source: FOX Business