Ep 21: The Future of AI in Robotic Surgery with Dr. Roger Smith

In this episode of The AI Grapple Podcast, host Kate vanderVoort sits down with Dr. Roger Smith, a leading expert at the intersection of AI, robotics, and healthcare. With an extensive background as a Chief Technology Officer for AdventHealth, the U.S. Army, and Titan Corp, Roger has spent decades driving technological innovation. Now, as CEO of Model Benders and a research scientist working on robotic surgery, he explores how AI is reshaping the future of surgical procedures.

From AI-powered robotic assistants in the operating room to the potential for telesurgery and hyper-personalised patient care, Roger shares insights on where the technology stands today, the hurdles it faces, and the exciting breakthroughs on the horizon. He also dives into his work as a medical thriller novelist, where he imagines the future of AI-driven surgery in ways that might not be as far-fetched as they seem.

Key Topics Covered 🔹 Roger’s Journey: From Defence & Military Simulation to AI-Powered Healthcare

Dr. Roger Smith shares how his career evolved from working in military defence and simulation technology to leading AI-driven medical innovations. He explains how the same principles that powered advanced battlefield simulations are now being applied to robotic surgery, improving precision and training for surgeons.

🔹 What is Robotic Surgery? Breaking Down the Technology

Many people imagine robotic surgery as autonomous machines performing procedures, but the reality is very different. Roger clarifies that today’s robotic surgical systems act as precision-enhancing tools, controlled by surgeons but offering improved dexterity, stability, and accuracy. He explains how these systems translate a surgeon’s movements into highly precise motions inside the body, eliminating tremors and allowing for minimally invasive procedures.

🔹 The Role of AI in Surgery: What’s Happening Today?

AI is already assisting surgeons in ways most people don’t realize. Roger discusses how AI-driven surgical robots help pre-plan procedures, guide surgeons during operations, and enforce precision by ensuring cuts and placements are made exactly as planned. He shares real-world examples of AI-powered surgical robots, such as those used in knee replacements, which prevent errors and optimize patient outcomes.

🔹 Generative AI & The Future of Real-Time Surgical Decision-Making

With the rise of generative AI models like ChatGPT, there’s growing potential for AI to play a more active role in surgery. Roger explores how generative AI could assist surgeons by analysing thousands of previous procedures to offer real-time recommendations, detect anomalies, and even control certain instruments during surgery. However, regulatory challenges and patient trust remain significant hurdles.

🔹 Telesurgery: Can AI Overcome the Longstanding Barriers?

For decades, long-distance robotic surgery has been a goal, but technical limitations—like time delays in transmitting signals—have kept it from becoming mainstream. Roger discusses why telesurgery has been stalled for over 20 years, how AI could help mitigate risks, and why advances like SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network could finally make remote surgery viable for military applications and rural healthcare.

🔹 Beyond the Human Hand: How AI Could Redesign Surgical Instruments

Most surgical instruments today are designed around human hands, limiting their shape and functionality. Roger envisions a future where AI assists in designing entirely new types of robotic instruments that aren’t constrained by human biomechanics—potentially allowing for more precise, less invasive, and more efficient surgeries.

🔹 Ethical & Practical Challenges: The Roadblocks to AI in Surgery

While AI holds enormous potential for improving surgical outcomes, it also raises critical concerns about verification, accountability, and trust. Roger highlights the importance of regulatory approval (such as the FDA in the U.S.), ensuring AI-driven surgical decisions are reliable, and addressing public scepticism about AI’s role in healthcare.

🔹 Accelerating Medical Training: AI-Powered Surgical Simulators

One of the most exciting breakthroughs in AI-assisted surgery is its potential to revolutionize how surgeons are trained. Roger discusses how AI-driven simulators can provide real-time feedback, guiding new surgeons toward best practices and significantly shortening the time it takes to master complex procedures. He envisions a future where AI tutors assist surgeons through simulations before they ever operate on a real patient.

🔹 Public Perception: Are Patients Ready for AI-Driven Surgery?

Roger reflects on how public opinion toward robotic surgery has evolved. While there was initial hesitation and fear, patients are increasingly trusting AI-assisted procedures due to their proven safety and precision. However, concerns about data privacy, AI autonomy, and the potential for