We all know there are robots out there in the world helping us with domestic chores, like robotic vacuum cleaners, or manufacturing our cars or helping in the manufacture of the food we eat.

In hospitals, robots have been around for many years. Arguably the most famous DaVinci systems have been around since 1995 and in the UK over 70 NHS hospitals and some private hospitals have these multi million-pound robots installed.

These robots are "second generation" and have interaction from the surgeon or doctor and are designed to assist in the procedure.

However, robots are now being developed and trialled that can take over repetitive tasks, such as suturing. This will allow surgeons to concentrate on more complicated tasks and prevent mental and physical fatigue, especially during procedures that can go on for many hours.

These new robots can bring a whole new set of questions and dilemmas for Ethic Committees, Medical Professional Underwriters, Hospital Risk Managers, Medical Negligence Lawyers and of course IT professionals.

Where does the risk lie in an automated robot performing an operation on a patient? Who is at fault if it goes wrong? Would a patient want an operation or procedure performed by an automated robot?

As these robots are being developed, countries will have to build frameworks for ethical law in robotics, allowing for the risk of technology overtaking the legal framework as systems increase in their level of autonomy.

There are a huge number of issues that need to be addressed as more robots are inevitably introduced. If the time comes, would you opt for an autonomous robot to operate on you?

The tide cannot be turned in the rise of the robots in hospitals, nor should it, but we should be preparing now for that future time of the autonomous robot in the operating room.