New crop of robots to vie for space in the operating room

Chicago

EVEN though many doctors see need for improvement, surgical robots are poised for big gains in operating rooms around the world.

Within five years, one in three US surgeries - more than double current levels - is expected to be performed with robotic systems, with surgeons sitting at computer consoles guiding mechanical arms. Companies developing new robots also plan to expand their use in India, China and other emerging markets.