Scientists from CMR Surgical created the medical robot Versius, which can reduce the training of neurosurgeons from 80 sessions to half an hour.

The technique, often practiced by neurosurgeons, is called "keyhole surgery," since the entire operation is carried out through a hole the size of a key slot. The study of this technique takes a lot of time - for example, interns-surgeons usually require 60 to 80 hours of practice.

The new development of CMR Surgical can significantly shorten this time. Versius is the smallest surgical robot. It consists of three robotic limbs with shoulders, elbows and wrists, each slightly larger than a human hand.

Under the supervision of the surgeon, the limbs are raised, lowered and smoothly turned. The robot is designed for a wide range of operations at the "keyhole", including hysterectomy, prostate removal, ear, nose, throat surgery and hernia repair. CMR claims that the cost of using the robot will not be much higher than in conventional operations.

Also, Versius will help neurosurgeons avoid chronic occupational diseases, because they often have to work in uncomfortable poses, and this provokes injuries to the back, knees and neck. According to the inventors of CMR Surgical, Versius will teach the execution of the most complex manipulations that he will perform instead of surgeons.

The robot will be installed in public health services in the UK already in 2018, if its application is approved for clinical use. According to CMR Surgical, with the advent of Versius surgeons will be able to avoid many occupational injuries and significantly accelerate their training to new technicians.