Beyond AI and robotics: the dawn of surgical automation in spine surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) algorithms are revolutionizing spine surgery. Soon, these technologies may allow the integration of automated devices into clinical practice. The roles of such devices are yet to be imagined and then developed, but one could assume that automated surgical devices can assist spine surgeons in a variety of ways, such as contextual guidance, precise screw placements, or intraoperative monitoring. In the not-too-distant future, such devices may be able to perform entire surgeries autonomously. Current literature suggests that advancements toward autonomous robotic surgery may improve surgical approaches and reduce negative clinical variation in spine surgery outcomes. This review aims to examine the current trends, practices, and advancements in surgical automation and provide an overview of the stages of automation of devices currently employed within spine surgery.