Would you trust your life to a robotic surgeon? How about your mental health? While some may be uncomfortable with the idea of a robot performing their surgery or comforting them in times of stress, it is becoming increasingly commonplace in the world of healthcare, where interest in (and funding for) medical robots within the field of biomedical engineering is rising.

There are good reasons for engineers to develop medical robots for use in healthcare. Unlike human beings, robots are tireless, and their “hands” never shake. They can perform precise movements even beyond the human range of motion and be present with patients for as long as necessary. Plus, they can automate lower-level or repetitive tasks and leave the high-level work to humans.

1. The da Vinci Surgical Robot
2. The Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot
3. The PARO Therapeutic Robot
4. The CyberKnife
5. The TUG