In the medical field, many diseases cannot be treated solely with oral or topical medications. Only by applying medication directly to the lesion or surgically removing the lesion can a therapeutic effect be achieved. Surgery is the most common method used in modern medicine. However, the human body has many extremely complex, delicate, and fragile areas. Manual manipulation lacks the precision to safely handle lesions in these areas, yet these diseases are very dangerous, with potentially fatal consequences if left untreated.
With advancements in technology, these problems are gradually being solved. The advent of microrobots offers a solution. Microrobots, primarily composed of high-density nano-integrated circuit chips, possess computational and operational capabilities comparable to large robots and can be remotely controlled. Their tiny size allows them to enter blood vessels and treat and clean lesions without causing harm to the body. They can also provide real-time feedback on the internal condition of the body, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment planning by doctors. Some diagnostic and treatment methods cause significant pain for patients, such as gastroscopy. Microrobots can perform internal health examinations without increasing patient discomfort. As of 2022, the key factor restricting the development of microrobots was their extremely high cost; finding alternatives to rare metals will be an important direction for future development.
In 2021, one-third of surgeries in the United States were performed using robotic systems. Robots are more commonly used in outpatient surgical procedures in hospitals. Robotic assistants are being integrated into the medical field to improve service quality and increase the efficiency of treatment and care.
In July 2025, the MONARCH natural orifice transluminal (NOT) diagnostic robot was officially put into operation in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai First People's Hospital. With the assistance of the MONARCH robot, doctors can perform precise diagnosis and treatment of lung lesions, especially deep lesions, through the patient's bronchi without any external incisions.