Discover how Sony's microsurgery robot, capable of operating on a corn kernel, showcases the future of advanced surgical procedures with precision and innovation.

Introduction: In a groundbreaking demonstration, Sony has unveiled a microsurgery assistant robot capable of performing intricate operations on a corn kernel. This remarkable feat highlights the potential for revolutionary advancements in medical procedures, offering a glimpse into the future of precise and delicate surgeries.

Precision in Miniature: The Robot’s Capabilities

A Delicate Procedure on a Corn Kernel

A recent video has showcased Sony's command-and-control microsurgery assistant robot meticulously sewing up a corn kernel. Utilizing surgical needles, the robot's movements are the culmination of sophisticated engineering and extensive research. This impressive demonstration provides a tangible example of how future medical surgeries might be performed with unparalleled precision.

From Corn Kernels to Blood Vessels

Imagine replacing the corn kernel with tiny blood vessels that require precise ligation. The potential applications of this technology in medical procedures are immense. In February, non-clinical experiments with the prototype were conducted at Aichi Medical University, where medical staff not specialized in microsurgery successfully used the robot to sew up animals' blood vessels. This marks a significant milestone in the field of robotic-assisted microsurgery.

Breakthrough in Microsurgery: A World First

Innovative Instrument Switching

According to Sony, these tests represent the world's first instance of suturing blood vessels in microsurgery using an assistive robot capable of automatically switching instruments. This functionality mimics the actions of surgeons and their assistants, who need to change surgical tools swiftly during operations. The robot's ability to perform this task autonomously marks a significant advancement in surgical technology.

Challenges and Improvements

Microsurgery involves precise movements such as inserting needles into small blood vessels and pulling threads. While the robot excelled at needle insertion, there remains room for improvement in thread pulling. To address this, a "small and light" control device has been developed, allowing for fingertip manipulation and eliminating the need for increased motion scaling. This device enables surgeons to perform various tasks smoothly by placing their hands in designated spaces.

Enhancing Surgical Precision: Overcoming Challenges

Fine-Tuning Movements

The intervention of robots between surgeons and patients enables fine movements but can also lead to unintended delays or premature actions. To mitigate this, Sony has installed an electronic and mechanical control system to manage the delay and response of the system's movements. This ensures that the robot operates with the precision required for delicate procedures.

Expanding Access to Microsurgery

Sony envisions a future where their robot can offer microsurgery to a broader range of patients. Currently, the skill required for such procedures limits their availability to a small number of surgeons and clinics. By refining and expanding the capabilities of their microsurgery robot, Sony hopes to democratize access to these advanced surgical techniques.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Surgery


Sony's microsurgery assistant robot represents a significant leap forward in medical technology. By successfully operating on a corn kernel, the robot demonstrates the potential for highly precise and delicate surgical procedures. As Sony continues to refine this technology, the prospect of widely accessible microsurgery becomes increasingly attainable, promising a future where advanced medical interventions are available to all.