While some companies are developing surgical robots the size of a private jet, the Levita Magnetics startup has taken a more original path. They created the MARS platform, a system that for the first time in history independently controlled a surgical camera during a real operation. To put it simply, they trusted artificial intelligence to work as a cameraman in the operating room — and for some reason they call it a breakthrough.

The MARS platform is an upgraded version of the Levita surgical system, complemented by "computer vision". The system automatically monitors instruments and organs, providing an "optimal viewing angle." It seems that the main problem of modern surgery is not the lack of qualifications of doctors, but poor camera angles when filming operations.

It is particularly ironic that the first demonstration of the technology took place in Chile, a country where there are still problems with basic medical care. Apparently, the developers believe that autonomous surgical chambers are exactly what the local healthcare system lacked.

The technical details look impressive: machine learning algorithms, 3D mapping of the operating field, automatic instrument recognition. Although, if you think about it, smartphones have been able to recognize faces in photos for several years now — perhaps surgeons are just lagging behind life.

Critics may wonder: do surgeons really need an autonomous camera? Have they not learned how to position their instruments correctly over the decades of operations? But the developers claim that the system reduces surgeon fatigue and improves accuracy. Although it might be easier to hire an assistant who just holds the camera.

The economic component also makes you smile. The cost of such systems is usually measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars, which makes them inaccessible to most medical institutions. It seems that the developers are counting on the fact that surgeons are tired of turning the camera more than actually operating.

The funny thing is that the system is positioned as "the first step towards fully autonomous surgery." Apparently, the next step will be a robot that independently selects music for the operating room, because this is no less important for the success of the operation than the correct camera angle.

However, one cannot completely deny the potential benefits of the technology. Perhaps someday such systems will really help to conduct operations in the field or in developing countries. But for now, it looks like another expensive entertainment for elite medical centers.

Hopefully, the algorithms will never confuse the "optimal viewing angle" with the "interesting angle for Instagram" — otherwise, surgical procedures risk turning into a live show.