Domestic 'Newton' Surgical Robot Achieves Fully Autonomous Collaborative Surgery

Background

Orthopedic minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, particularly in spinal surgery, demand exceptional precision to navigate complex anatomy and avoid damage to nerves and surrounding tissues. Surgeons have traditionally relied on manual skill, real-time imaging, and experience, but variations in outcomes have driven interest in robotic assistance. China has invested in developing domestic surgical robots to advance intelligent medical equipment and support clinical standardization.

At the 17th Annual Congress of the Chinese Orthopaedic Association, held in Tianjin and concluding on November 16, 2025, a demonstration highlighted progress in this area. The event, one of the major orthopedic gatherings, featured a live display by Great Robotics of its domestically developed Newton platform, also referred to as NewDawn. Qilu Hospital of Shandong University contributed expertise through its specialists, with the demonstration drawing attention from attending professionals.

What was achieved

The Newton full-process endoscopic minimally invasive robot performed what sources describe as the world's first public demonstration of a fully autonomous collaborative spinal surgery. Following a single "one-key start" command, the system's dual robotic arms operated in coordination without further direct manual input during the core execution phase. One arm focused on precise anatomical localization, while the other carried out the surgical actions with reported seamless coordination and accurate positioning.

Professor Liu Xinyu, vice-president of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and director of its spine surgery department, evaluated the system positively. He noted that it is the first orthopedic robot capable of force-feedback master-slave control that participates throughout the entire surgical process. According to the reports, this advances beyond simple tool assistance toward a more intelligent model and contributes to redefining aspects of orthopedic diagnosis and treatment. The demonstration was praised at the conference for showcasing integrated capabilities in a high-profile academic setting. Other experts also commented on its potential for standardizing high-quality procedures.

How it works

The Newton system integrates multiple components into a unified workflow for endoscopic minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, such as those involving the spine. It begins with preoperative or intraoperative imaging provided by the domestically developed Newton3D intelligent mobile imaging system. This delivers 0.16mm ultra-high-definition 3D scans at low radiation doses and supports real-time registration, aligning the digital image accurately with the patient's actual anatomy.

An AI-based intelligent planning module then automatically generates a personalized surgical plan according to the patient's specific anatomical structure. During the operation, after activation, the dual anthropomorphic robotic arms collaborate autonomously. Force-feedback and master-slave control technologies enable sub-millimeter precision, allowing the arms to detect tissue resistance and maintain accuracy in tight spaces typical of endoscopic approaches. One arm typically handles positioning and identification tasks, while the other performs actions such as decompression or targeted intervention under endoscopic visualization. Postoperatively, a multimodal evaluation module fuses data from various sources to supply quantitative feedback on efficacy, supporting a closed-loop process from imaging and planning through execution and assessment. This aims to reduce variability compared to purely manual techniques by combining machine steadiness with data-driven decision support. The approach is designed for minimally invasive access, using small incisions and endoscopic tools.

What it means for international patients

Qilu Hospital of Shandong University maintains an international medical department that provides services to patients from outside mainland China, including dedicated channels for appointments and care coordination. The hospital's English-language website and specialist teams, including in spine surgery under Professor Liu Xinyu, position it as a facility with capabilities in advanced orthopedic and minimally invasive procedures. Developments such as the evaluation and praise of the Newton robotic platform by its specialists indicate ongoing engagement with emerging domestic technologies in this field.

International patients considering orthopedic robotic-assisted care in China should note that availability and eligibility for specific techniques, including any autonomous or collaborative robotic features, depend on clinical protocols, regulatory status, and individual medical assessment. The hospital's international department can provide current details on services, required documentation such as passports, and suitability for particular conditions. Patients are advised to contact the hospital directly to confirm all aspects of potential treatment, as demonstration results at academic conferences do not automatically translate to immediate routine clinical availability for overseas visitors.

About the hospital

Qilu Hospital of Shandong University is a comprehensive tertiary Class A public hospital located primarily in Jinan, Shandong Province, at 107 Wenhua West Road (postal code 250012). It maintains additional campuses, including an east campus in Jinan and one in Qingdao. Affiliated with Shandong University as its first clinical medical college, the institution traces its origins to 1890 and has operated under various names, including periods as Cheeloo Hospital, before adopting its current designation in 2000. It operates under the guidance of the National Health Commission.

The hospital encompasses numerous clinical and technology departments, with reported strengths in multiple national key disciplines and clinical specialties, including spine surgery. In the 2022 national performance appraisal of tertiary public hospitals, it achieved a high ranking. It features more than 4,000 beds and reported high volumes of outpatient visits, discharges, and surgical procedures in recent years. The facility conducts research, teaching, and clinical care, with Professor Liu Xinyu serving as vice-president and director of the spine surgery department. An international medical department supports overseas patients through its English resources and specialized coordination.