npj Digital Surgery opens call for research on AI, robotics in the OR

Editor's Note

A new call for papers is inviting researchers to spotlight the technologies redefining surgical care. In May 2025, npj Digital Surgery opened submissions for a special collection titled Intelligent and Integrated Systems for Digital Surgery, with a deadline of May 27, 2026. The collection will highlight advances at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), imaging, and digital tools that are transforming both patient outcomes and surgical training.

The editors are seeking work that explores how digital technologies are being embedded into surgical workflows, a shift described as one of the most significant in modern medicine. Areas of interest include autonomous robotic systems, AI-powered surgical guidance, and integrated imaging platforms that improve planning, execution, and evaluation of procedures.

Per the outlet, the aim is to capture breakthrough research that pushes beyond current capabilities, illustrating how digital surgery is moving from concept to real-world clinical impact. To encourage submissions, the journal notes that article processing charge (APC) waivers are available on an ad hoc basis for accepted papers.