A British company recently revealed a new robotic system to carry out operations, which is expected to roll out in hospitals for the first time in 2019.

Named the Versius robot, it was designed and built in Cambridge and rivals America’s da Vinci system which currently operates in more than 70 hospitals in the UK.

Luke Hares, co-founder of CMR Surgical – the company behind the robotic system – said: “Versius will be quick and easy to set up. This means hospitals will be able to keep it busy, making it economical to run.”

The robotic system is smaller than its American rival and the company believe it will be more flexible and versatile than existing robots, allowing it to perform a wider range of operations. Rolling out Versius will mean freeing up space in hospitals quicker than the current rate.

The Versius robot is expected to receive a European Health and safety approval mark within the next few months. CMR Surgical said they aim to make the robot system more cost-effective for NHS hospitals than its American rival.

Nadine Hachach-Haram, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, said: “Robotics will play an increasingly important role in the operating theatre.

“The newer generation robots are more versatile, compact and cost-effective, which means we can deliver robotic surgery locally and not in large hospitals with dedicated robotic suites.”