ROBOCOPS 2026: Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran Speaks on the Future of Pediatric Robotic Surgery in India

The future of pediatric robotic surgery in India was a major focus of discussion at ROBOCOPS 2026 (Robotic Surgery Conclave of Pediatric Surgeons), held at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) from April 3 to 5, 2026. The conclave brought together experts and pediatric surgeons from across the country to discuss one important question:

How do we truly advance pediatric robotic surgery in India? Among the distinguished expert panelists at the conference was Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, exclusive pediatric urologist from Hyderabad, who shared important perspectives on the evolving role of robotic surgery in children and emphasized the need for structured, pediatric-focused development in this rapidly expanding field. The discussions focused on how pediatric robotic surgery cannot simply be treated as an extension of adult robotic surgery, highlighting the importance of pediatric-specific training, precision-driven surgical approaches, long-term outcome thinking, and the development of strong institutional systems to support the responsible growth of robotic surgery for children in India.

Pediatric Robotic Surgery Is Not Adult Robotic Surgery in Smaller Spaces

One of the strongest messages emphasized during the discussion was that pediatric robotic surgery cannot simply be treated as an extension of adult robotic surgery. Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran highlighted that children are not “small adults,” and pediatric robotic surgery is not merely smaller surgery performed with robotic systems. Instead, it represents a completely different surgical science that requires specialized thinking, techniques, and long-term planning.

He emphasized that pediatric robotic surgery requires:

Pediatric-specific training
Precision-driven surgical approaches
Long-term outcome thinking
Child-centered surgical planning

The discussion reinforced the importance of developing robotic surgery practices specifically designed around the unique anatomical and physiological needs of children.

Expanding Access Beyond Metro Cities

A key focus of the conclave was the need to expand access to pediatric robotic surgery beyond major metropolitan centers. The panel highlighted that the long-term growth of pediatric robotic surgery in India should be supported by strong institutional systems, wider training opportunities, structured learning pathways, and improved accessibility across different regions of the country.

The discussions emphasized that meaningful progress cannot be achieved through technological expansion alone, but through the development of sustainable systems that support safe, standardized, and pediatric-focused robotic surgical care. Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran also emphasized that India has the potential to become a global leader in pediatric robotic surgery, but only if the focus remains on building systems, training frameworks, and collaborative growth rather than relying solely on individual expertise.

Advancing Pediatric Robotic Surgery the Right Way

ROBOCOPS 2026 served as an important platform for discussing the evolving approach to pediatric robotic surgery in India. The discussions reflected a significant shift in perspective within the pediatric surgical community, where the focus is no longer simply on whether robotic surgery can be performed in children, but on a more important question: Are we doing pediatric robotic surgery the right way?

The panel emphasized that the future of pediatric robotic surgery cannot depend on rapid technological expansion alone. Instead, the discussions focused on the need for pediatric-specific expertise, structured robotic training pathways, simulation and proctorship-based learning, standardized credentialing systems, and responsible system-driven growth as robotic surgery continues to expand across the country. Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran’s participation and insights contributed meaningfully to this important national discussion on building safer, more structured, and child-focused robotic surgical programs in India.