Will robots cut need for surgeons?

China cautiously embraces tech-driven treatment, global cooperation urged

In January, tech billionaire Elon Musk made a prediction that ricocheted across the global technology and medical communities. Speaking on the "Moonshots" podcast, hosted by the physician and engineer Peter Diamandis, Musk said that Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, would surpass the world's best human surgeons within three years.

The characteristically bold claim triggered a familiar mix of excitement, skepticism, and unease. If robots could outperform elite surgeons, what would that mean for doctors, patients, and the ethics of care? And how soon would such a future arrive?