Russia Develops Its First Robot for Minimally Invasive Kidney Surgery
The system can operate under a surgeon’s control or follow a pre-set program, marking a breakthrough in medical robotics and training.
Russian researchers have created the country’s first robotic system for kidney surgery, a major leap forward in the digital transformation of national healthcare. Developed at the Southwest State University, the new complex is designed for retrograde intrarenal surgery — a minimally invasive method used to remove kidney stones.
The innovation aims to solve key challenges faced by urologists during these delicate operations. Traditionally, surgeons must work close to the patient and endure prolonged exposure to X-ray radiation. The new robotic system automates much of the process, allowing the surgeon to control the ureteroscope remotely from a workstation while watching the procedure unfold on a monitor. This not only protects medical staff from radiation but also improves surgical precision and stability.
The system offers two operating modes: in teleoperation mode, the surgeon manipulates instruments via joysticks; in automatic mode, the robot executes a pre-programmed procedure, minimizing the human error factor and standardizing complex interventions.
A Training Tool for the Next Generation of Surgeons
Beyond its surgical application, the system will serve as a training simulator for medical students. The research team has already created an artificial kidney model and developed an artificial-vision system that simulates X-ray imaging, allowing future doctors to safely master precision surgery in a realistic environment.
The project demonstrates how AI, robotics, and medicine are converging in Russia — not just to enhance operations, but to shape the future of surgical education and patient care.
