India’s indigenous Surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, performed two world-first robotic cardiac telesurgeries with latency of only 40 milliseconds. 

• Telesurgery uses robotics and cameras to allow surgeons to perform operations from any location with a high-speed data connection.

About SSI Mantra

• It is the only robotic system worldwide to receive regulatory approval for telesurgery and tele-proctoring. 
• Recently, it was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), central regulatory body under theDrugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. 
• It performed the robotic beating heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB), considered one of the most complex cardiac surgical procedures.

Other Key Applications of Robotics in Healthcare

• Safety & Monitoring Robots: Telepresence systems use computer vision technology to monitor the patient’s vitals
• Robotic Prosthetics: Advanced robotic prosthetics improve mobility and functionality for amputees. E.g. Robotic limbs and exoskeletons
• Sanitation and Disinfection Robots: Utilises ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) for cleaning identified areas.
• Medical Transportation Robots: Deliver supplies, medications, and meals to patients etc.

Associated Challenges: High initial cost, skill and training gap to operate intricate robotic systems, ethical concerns (who will be accountable for potential errors), Patient trust, etc.