Latest advances in the soft tissue robotic market: what you need to know

Robotic-assisted surgery has transformed minimally invasive surgery, offering enhanced precision, dexterity and 3D visualisation. This review explores the latest developments in soft tissue robotics, including the evolution of haptic feedback, single-port systems and flexible instruments through soft robotics. Technological innovations such as telesurgery via 5G and autonomous robots are broadening clinical applications across specialties. Computer vision and machine learning now support intraoperative decision-making, while new handheld and cost-effective platforms aim to improve global accessibility. Despite these advances, challenges persist in terms of training, regulation and economic feasibility. Simulation-based curricula and the push for standardised, non-industry-dependent training pathways are critical to safe adoption. As robotics evolves, integration with augmented reality, remote mentoring and data-driven automation will define the next era of surgery.