By Michael Elin, EORNA Treasurer

The operating room of the future is increasingly intertwined with technology. Robot-assisted surgery, once a niche innovation, is now rapidly expanding across surgical disciplines. While some may ask, “Will robots take over the OR?”, the reality is far more nuanced — and full of opportunity for perioperative nurses.

Robotic systems offer precision, reduced patient trauma, and improved recovery times. They are transforming procedures from complex urological and cardiac surgeries to routine laparoscopic operations. For patients, this is a significant leap forward in safety and outcomes. But for perioperative teams, especially nurses, it presents both challenges and exciting new roles.

Perioperative nurses have always been the backbone of safe surgical care. In a robotic OR, their responsibilities are also evolving:

– Technical expertise: Nurses need to understand robotic systems, troubleshoot intraoperative issues, and manage instrument exchange efficiently. – Patient advocacy: Even as robots perform precise movements, nurses ensure patient safety, positioning, and monitoring remain optimal. – Workflow coordination: Robotic surgery often involves longer setup times and complex instrument requirements; nurses orchestrate smooth operations from prep to recovery. – Education & training: Nurses play a key role in mentoring colleagues, maintaining competence, and supporting multidisciplinary teams in adapting to robotic technologies.

Far from being replaced, perioperative nurses become essential facilitators in this high-tech environment. Their expertise ensures that the potential of robotics translates into real patient benefits. The future OR will be a space where humans and machines work in harmony — and nurses will be at the centre of that collaboration.

As robotic systems continue to advance, EORNA encourages ongoing professional development and structured training for perioperative nurses. By embracing these innovations, we can ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centred surgical care — while shaping the OR of tomorrow.

In conclusion, robots may assist, but they will never replace the critical thinking, adaptability, and compassionate care provided by perioperative nurses. Our role is evolving, not diminishing — and the future is bright for those ready to rise to the challenge.