Elon Musk, CEO of Neuralink, Tesla, and SpaceX, has claimed that robots will outperform even the best human surgeons within five years. The statement was made in response to a social media post highlighting recent advancements in robotic surgery.
Cites Neuralink’s Brain Surgery Robot
Musk referred to Neuralink’s surgical robot, which inserts brain-computer interface electrodes with extreme precision. He stated that humans couldn’t match the speed and accuracy required for this task, making robotic intervention essential.
Backed by Real-World Results
The post that Musk responded to featured Medtronic’s Hugo robotic system. It was tested in 137 real-world surgeries involving organs like the prostate, kidney, and bladder. The success rate was 98.5%, far above the 85% benchmark, with low complication rates.
Medical Community Pushes Back
Despite these advancements, many experts disagreed with Musk’s claim. Dr. Sankar Adusumilli, an experienced surgeon in robot-assisted operations, called the statement “misleading.” He clarified that robots are tools controlled by surgeons—not autonomous decision-makers. He emphasized that each surgical move is made by a human and then executed by the robot.
Surgeons Highlight Patient Complexity
Dr. Adusumilli stressed that patient conditions vary, requiring judgment and adaptability that robots cannot provide. He has conducted over 2,400 robot-assisted surgeries and maintained that critical decisions still depend on human expertise.
Public Reaction Split
Online reactions were mixed. Some questioned Musk’s stance on automation replacing human jobs, especially when he also advocates for population growth. Others supported the vision, pointing to the potential of robotic surgeons to lower healthcare costs and expand access.
Neuralink’s Broader Vision
Neuralink, Musk’s brain-implant company valued at $5 billion in 2023, is currently running human trials. The company aims to support people with spinal cord injuries and, eventually, healthy individuals. Musk envisions a future where fast, low-cost brain surgeries could be performed in local clinics.
