A Leap Forward in Super-Microsurgery
Super-microsurgery requires extraordinary precision, typically performed by highly skilled surgeons under a microscope. The nature of this field demands an exceptional level of hand stability and fine motor control, limiting the number of professionals who can master the craft. Sony’s robotic system aims to eliminate the need for such rare physical dexterity, allowing a broader range of surgeons to perform these intricate procedures.
Equipped with Sony’s advanced imaging technology, the robot is designed as a low-latency remote surgical system. Surgeons control it using squeeze-sensitive, pen-like controllers, while a high-resolution 4K 3D stereoscopic camera provides real-time visuals on OLED screens. The system operates similarly to a VR headset, except the surgeon rests their face on a desk-mounted viewing system instead of wearing a strapped device.

Precision Without Compromise
Unlike some robotic surgical systems that rely on motion scaling—which adjusts large hand movements into microscopic precision—Sony’s approach enables direct high-precision control without the need for scaling. Surgeons can seamlessly switch between delicate tasks, such as inserting a needle into a tiny blood vessel, and broader actions, like pulling sutures, without interruption or recalibration.
A standout feature of this system is its automatic tool-switching mechanism, mimicking the role of a human surgical assistant. Instead of requiring manual intervention, the robot swiftly retracts its arm, exchanges tools from a specialized caddy, and resumes the operation within 10 seconds, ensuring a seamless workflow.

Surgeons Praise Sony’s Innovation
Medical professionals who have tested the prototype have expressed enthusiasm over its potential. Dr. Hisako Hara, who participated in Sony’s trials, remarked, “I was able to operate this robot with the same sense of handling forceps and scissors as in regular surgery.”
Another expert, Dr. Makoto Mihara, emphasized the system’s responsiveness: “Remote operations with delays or unnatural robotic movements often feel disconnected. However, this robot moves exactly as I want it to, almost as if it’s an extension of my own fingertips. It truly feels like an assimilation between myself and the machine.”

The Future of Robotic Surgery
With its high-precision controls, seamless tool-switching, and cutting-edge imaging, Sony’s surgical robot could revolutionize delicate medical procedures, making super-microsurgery more accessible and efficient. As the company continues refining the system, its potential applications may extend beyond human healthcare, influencing fields such as veterinary medicine, neuroscience, and even remote-controlled emergency surgeries.
Sony has not yet announced a commercial release date, but the successful trials indicate that robot-assisted microsurgery is on the verge of a major transformation.