An independent evaluation unit for surgical robots and AI, paid on evidence

A publicly-funded evaluation unit, analogous to a health technology assessment body but with the capacity to sponsor randomised and registry-based comparisons, for surgical robotics, intraoperative AI (anatomy recognition, margin prediction, skill assessment) and autonomous surgical functions in cancer surgery. Reimbursement premiums for these technologies would be conditional on participation in unit-led evaluations, with results published. Robotic surgery has diffused for two decades with few randomised trials, and surgical AI is following the same path; the drug world's requirement for evidence before payment is absent here.