Roxana-Mariana Nechita 1, 2, *, Oliver Ulerich 1, 3, Cozmin Cristoiu 3, 4
1 National Institute of Research and Development in Mechatronics and Measurement Technique,
6-8 Pantelimon Road, Bucharest, Romania
2 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Business Management,
3 National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics,
313 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest, Romania
4 Robodictive SRL
* Corresponding author. E-mail: roxana.nechita2000@gmail.com
Robotica & Management, Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 21-25
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/rm.2026.1.4
Abstract: The integration of robotics into surgical procedures has revolutionized medical interventions by offering unparalleled precision and control, leading to enhanced postoperative recovery and optimized clinical outcomes. However, this advanced technology introduces a distinct and complex set of risk management challenges that extend beyond technical aspects to encompass human factors, operational processes, and ethical considerations. This article systematically explores proactive strategies for identifying, classifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with robotic surgery, emphasizing the paramount importance of patient safety and procedural effectiveness. Through a detailed analysis, including a risk mapping framework, we categorize risks into hazards (intrinsic system vulnerabilities) and control-related risks (stemming from human or organizational deficiencies), highlighting that a significant proportion of identified risks are control-related. The prioritization reveals that interoperability issues, insufficient staff training, high acquisition costs, and legal responsibility dilemmas represent the most critical vulnerabilities, necessitating immediate and comprehensive mitigation strategies. By addressing these challenges with tailored interventions, healthcare institutions can transform potential risks into opportunities, fostering confidence in the future of robotic-assisted surgery and ensuring its safe and effective deployment.
Keywords: surgical robotics, risk management, patient safety, risk mapping, control-related risks.
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References
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