Dangers of Robotic Surgery
Many people do not feel comfortable with the idea of robotic surgery. Perhaps it is the lack of human compassion or the threat of a singularity situation. Some do not think enough time has elapsed for the proper long term studies to be conducted. Additionally the current procedures have not yet been adapted for using robots or robotic enhancements. Another problem is the current cost of a robotics suit. "With a price tag of a million dollars, their cost is nearly prohibitive." (Castellanos et. all, 2009) Not only does one need to consider the start up cost but also the maintenance cost. As time elapses, parts will need to be replaced, upgrades in software and hardware will need to be made. The cost of these surgical robots may end up being a service for the rich. This could create a health inequality between those who can afford the surgical robot surgery and those who can only afford traditional surgery. Since the surgical robots are minimally invasive, healing time is shortened. The rich could become a healthier group of people, forcing a divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots".