Samsung Medical Center is preparing to demonstrate two humanoid surgical assistant robots working alongside a human surgeon, exploring how Physical AI could eventually support instrument handling, endoscope control and other operating-room tasks. Humanoid robots are beginning to move into an environment far more demanding than a warehouse or factory floor: the operating room. Samsung Medical Center has announced plans to publicly demonstrate a pair of humanoid surgical assistant robots on September 16, 2026, as part of South Korea's Korean ARPA-H research program. The robots are being developed by the ORchestra consortium, led by Samsung Medical Center and involving Rainbow Robotics, AIDIN Robotics, Hahaeho, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Seoul National University, the National Cancer Center and Jeonbuk National University Hospital.
Two Robots Working Alongside One Surgeon
Rather than demonstrating a single robotic arm performing a narrowly defined procedure, the project is testing how multiple humanoid robots could divide operating-room responsibilities. During the planned demonstration, one robot will perform tasks similar to those of an operating-room nurse, including handling and retrieving surgical instruments. A second robot will take on functions associated with both a surgical assistant and nursing staff, such as manipulating an endoscope and assisting with tissue retraction. The system will also demonstrate robots responding to voice commands from medical personnel. This does not mean the robots are independently performing surgery. Samsung Medical Center has emphasized that the technology is still being evaluated in a simulated research environment. Some surgical movements are teleoperated, with a human surgeon's motions translated into commands performed by the humanoid robot.
Why Use a Humanoid?
Surgical robots are not new. Systems using specialized robotic arms have already transformed areas of minimally invasive surgery. But those machines are generally designed around specific procedures and dedicated operating-room configurations. Humanoid robots present a different possibility. Operating rooms already contain instruments, equipment and workspaces designed around the dimensions and movements of human medical staff. A humanoid robot capable of using those same tools could potentially enter an existing workflow without requiring the entire room to be redesigned around automation. The ORchestra project is therefore not simply investigating whether a robot can manipulate a surgical instrument. It is studying whether several robots and humans can coordinate as one surgical team.
Physical AI Enters Healthcare
A robot assisting with surgery must combine several capabilities at once. It needs precise manipulation, force control, visual perception, reliable communication and an understanding of the sequence of actions taking place around it. Samsung Medical Center says the robots are currently being evaluated for functions including instrument delivery and retrieval, endoscope operation, tissue retraction, voice-command understanding and safe stopping and recovery. Rainbow Robotics, which has experience developing humanoid and collaborative robotic systems, is contributing its robotics expertise to the ORchestra consortium. AIDIN Robotics, which specializes in robotic sensing and force-control technologies, is also participating alongside medical and academic institutions.
Commercialization Is Still a Long Way Away
Despite the ambitious demonstration, Samsung Medical Center is not presenting the robots as finished medical products. The project remains at the proof-of-concept and validation stage. Before commercialization could occur, the system would need to undergo repeated performance testing, simulated and preclinical studies, usability evaluations involving medical personnel, clinical trials and the regulatory approval process required for medical devices. The robots are also not currently making independent decisions about a patient's condition or autonomously performing surgery. For now, the goal is much narrower: demonstrate that humanoid robots can reliably participate in parts of the surgical workflow while operating under human control and supervision.
