Chinese scientists have successfully developed a highly advanced robotic system capable of performing eye injections autonomously, marking a significant breakthrough in ophthalmic surgery. This innovative robot was designed and built by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to address one of the most delicate procedures in medicine: delivering precise doses of medication directly into the eye. Eye injections, commonly used to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion, require extreme precision, as even minor deviations can damage sensitive eye structures.
In preclinical trials conducted on animals, the robot demonstrated remarkable accuracy, completing every injection flawlessly and significantly reducing errors compared to human surgeons. Its high level of precision is achieved through sophisticated sensors, imaging systems, and AI-driven guidance, allowing the device to calculate the exact injection angle, depth, and speed needed for each procedure. The robotic system can also adapt in real time to any micro-movements of the eye, a challenge that often complicates manual injections.
This development has several important implications for the future of eye care. First, it could dramatically increase patient safety by reducing the risk of complications such as retinal injury, bleeding, or infection. Second, it provides an effective training tool for ophthalmologists, allowing them to observe and learn from the robot’s precise techniques. Third, it opens the door to advanced eye care in regions where specialist doctors are scarce, making high-quality treatments more widely accessible.
The research team believes that with further testing and regulatory approval, this robotic technology could be introduced into human clinical settings within the next few years. By combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced medical imaging, the system represents a major step toward safer, more efficient, and more accessible ophthalmic care worldwide.
