A Timeline of Clinical Applications of Robots in Cranial Neurosurgery
4 affiliations
- 1Aintree University Hospital Liverpool UK
- 2School of Medicine University of Lancashire Preston UK
- 3Imperial College London London UK
- 4Royal Preston Hospital Preston UK
Abstract
Background: A robot is a reprogrammable multifunctional manipulator designed to move tools through varied motions. In surgery, robots have been introduced for their tireless operation, precision, and consistency. However, the use of cranial neurosurgical robots remains in its infancy.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. This search focused on the first clinical applications of robotics in cranial neurosurgery to date. A manual search was also conducted.
Results: Twenty robotic systems were identified. Sixteen were passive devices primarily used for stereotactic neurosurgery. Shared and supervisory‐controlled robots are increasing in prevalence due to technological advances. Eight systems are commercially available, highlighting their success in meeting clinical needs.
Conclusion: It is apparent that the landscape is dominated by stereotactic robots with passive functioning. There is an increasing prevalence of active and shared‐control systems. Advancements in technology, cost and learning curve remain barriers to the scalability of neurosurgical robots.
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BibTeX
@article{khanom2026timeline,
title = {{A Timeline of Clinical Applications of Robots in Cranial Neurosurgery}},
author = {Anjum Aarifa Khanom and Callum Ward and Joseph Davids and Arup Ray and Aprajay Golash and Andrew Alalade},
journal = {The International Journal of Medical Robotics + Computer Assisted Surgery},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1002/rcs.70251},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/rcs.70251},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A Timeline of Clinical Applications of Robots in Cranial Neurosurgery
AU - Anjum Aarifa Khanom
AU - Callum Ward
AU - Joseph Davids
AU - Arup Ray
AU - Aprajay Golash
AU - Andrew Alalade
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - The International Journal of Medical Robotics + Computer Assisted Surgery
DO - 10.1002/rcs.70251
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/rcs.70251
AB - Background: A robot is a reprogrammable multifunctional manipulator designed to move tools through varied motions. In surgery, robots have been introduced for their tireless operation, precision, and consistency. However, the use of cranial neurosurgical robots remains in its infancy. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. This search focused on the first clinical applications of robotics in cranial neurosurgery to date. A manual search was also conducted. Results: Twenty robotic systems were identified. Sixteen were passive devices primarily used for stereotactic neurosurgery. Shared and supervisory‐controlled robots are increasing in prevalence due to technological advances. Eight systems are commercially available, highlighting their success in meeting clinical needs. Conclusion: It is apparent that the landscape is dominated by stereotactic robots with passive functioning. There is an increasing prevalence of active and shared‐control systems. Advancements in technology, cost and learning curve remain barriers to the scalability of neurosurgical robots.
SN - 1478-5951
SN - 1478-596X
ER -