Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee – The contribution of the robotics metaverse in the medical sector (own-initiative opinion)
Date: 2025-02-26
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: education, health care, health care profession, health technology, innovation, robotics, simulation, telemedicine, virtual reality, vocational training








C_202502008EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
C series













C/2025/2008


30.4.2025







Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee


The contribution of the robotics metaverse in the medical sector


(own-initiative opinion)

(C/2025/2008)


Rapporteur: 
Martin BÖHME

Co-rapporteur: 
Hervé JEANNIN






Advisor


Hun Xhing CHEAH (to the Cat. 2 co-rapporteur)




Plenary Assembly decision


18.1.2024




Legal basis


Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure




Section responsible


Consultative Commission on Industrial Change




Adopted in section


16.1.2025




Adopted at plenary


26.2.2025




Plenary session No


594




Outcome of vote (for/against/abstentions)


185/0/3




1.   Conclusions and recommendations









1.1.


The EESC recommends developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for robotics and the metaverse in healthcare. This framework must address liability issues, particularly in cases where system failures occur during remote surgeries or robotics-assisted procedures. It is essential that human oversight and influence remain at the core of operations, with the ability to pause, adjust or override any AI or robotic process. The EESC stresses that clear accountability is essential to ensure patient safety and build trust in these technologies.












1.2.


The EESC stresses the importance of promoting ethical standards and patient consent protocols. It insists that the EU implement ethical guidelines for the use of robotics and the metaverse in healthcare, with a strong focus on patient consent. The EESC believes that patients must retain the right to understand and approve the use of these technologies, particularly when AI is involved. Furthermore, it highlights the need to address potential biases in AI-driven systems and the ethical implications of monitoring patients and healthcare staff in virtual environments.












1.3.


The EESC calls for investment in digital infrastructure to ensure equal access. It highlights the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to prevent a digital divide. The EU should prioritise the deployment of 5G and 6G networks to support the secure and reliable operation of robotics and metaverse technologies. The EESC stresses that equitable access to these healthcare advancements across all Member States is a key priority.












1.4.


The EESC advocates increasing educational and training support for healthcare professionals. It believes that the EU must fund and promote education and training programmes to prepare medical professionals for the integration of robotics and metaverse technologies. It recommends incorporating these technologies into medical curricula and providing ongoing professional development, ensuring that the healthcare workforce is fully equipped to adapt to these innovations. In addition, training must be provided not only for health professionals, but for all staff who come into direct or indirect contact with new technologies. Training should focus not only on technical issues, but also ethical issues and psychological challenges. It is vital to involve all staff concerned, i.e. to hold social dialogue throughout the process, from the beginning (investment decision) to implementation and follow-up.












1.5.


The EESC encourages fostering innovation through a targeted EU investment strategy. It strongly recommends that the EU develop a targeted investment strategy, particularly aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on robotics and metaverse solutions for healthcare. It suggests that this strategy could mirror programmes like Horizon Europe, providing funding for research, development, and the practical implementation of these technologies, thus ensuring European leadership in this field.












1.6.


The EESC emphasises the need for strong data privacy and cybersecurity protections. It urges the EU to implement stringent data privacy and cybersecurity regulations to safeguard sensitive health data and protect against cyberattacks. This includes securing the connections between robotics, the metaverse, and human interface devices. The EESC also points out that data sovereignty and compliance must be addressed across different jurisdictions to protect patients’ rights and ensure trust in cross-border healthcare services.




2.   General comments









2.1.


Robotics has already begun reshaping the healthcare landscape, improving precision in surgeries and reducing the physical toll on surgeons. The metaverse, when combined with robotics, holds the promise of creating virtual environments that enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals globally, provide real-time simulations for training, and extend specialised care to remote areas.












2.2.


However, the benefits must be accessible to all. In this regard, it is crucial for the European Union to develop policies that ensure all patients, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to these technological advancements. The metaverse can democratise healthcare access, but only if adequately regulated and supported.












2.3.


The metaverse has the potential to revolutionise medical practice, creating immersive environments where healthcare professionals can collaborate in real time from different locations. These virtual platforms enable medical students, doctors, and surgeons to train in lifelike simulations, thus improving their skills and reducing errors in real-world situations.




3.   General recommendations









3.1.


The EESC calls for a comprehensive and balanced regulatory framework for the use of robotics and the metaverse in healthcare. It is vital to address liability issues – who is responsible when errors occur due to technological failures, such as a robot malfunction or metaverse connectivity loss during a critical procedure? It is essential that human oversight and influence remain at the core of operations, with the ability to pause, adjust or override any AI or robotic process. Clear regulations must outline the accountability of all stakeholders involved, from manufacturers to healthcare professionals.












3.2.


A hierarchical legal framework similar to the EU’s environmental regulations could be applied to ensure that legislation keeps pace with technological advancements. This framework should include not only laws on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical robotics but also specific requirements for privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection in virtual environments. One key concern is determining liability in cases of failure during remote or robotics-assisted surgeries. This question is critical to building trust among patients and medical professionals. Robust legal mechanisms are needed to ensure transparency and accountability, and these should be harmonised across the EU to foster cross-border medical services.












3.3.


For these technologies to reach their full potential, comprehensive education and training programmes are essential. Medical staff at all levels, from nurses to surgeons, will need to be trained not only in operating robotic systems but also in the new protocols associated with virtual environments. Social dialogue is essential to ensure that workers are fully aware of and involved in such training programmes. Universities must take the lead in integrating these topics into their curricula. The metaverse will offer unprecedented training opportunities, allowing students and professionals to simulate real-world scenarios and improve their skills in a risk-free environment. The EESC calls for an EU-wide investment programme to support education in this field, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well equipped to handle the technologies of tomorrow.












3.4.


The widespread use of robotics and the metaverse in healthcare raises significant ethical and legal questions. Issues such as liability during robotic surgeries – especially when there is a failure in the internet connection during a procedure – must be clearly addressed. The question of who is responsible when things go wrong is critical for building trust in these technologies. In addition, the EESC emphasises the importance of ensuring data protection and patient privacy. As these technologies develop, patients must retain the right to consent to their use, particularly when sensitive personal data is involved. Furthermore, these innovations must be implemented in a non-discriminatory way, ensuring that AI systems, for example, do not introduce biases that could negatively impact patient care.












3.5.


The EESC strongly advocates a dedicated EU investment strategy, aimed at fostering innovation in robotics and the metaverse within the healthcare sector. This strategy should include support for small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which are often at the forefront of technological innovation but may struggle to compete with larger companies due to financial or regulatory constraints. A comprehensive EU funding programme, analogous to Horizon Europe, should be established to support research, development, and the practical implementation of these technologies across Member States. This will ensure that European companies and healthcare providers remain competitive on the global stage while also facilitating collaboration across borders.












3.6.


The EESC underscores the importance of involving liberal professions – such as doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, and veterinarians – and other healthcare professionals in shaping the future of healthcare technologies. These professionals will not only use robotics and the metaverse in their practice but will also help define the ethical and practical boundaries of their application. For example, a VR headset can improve a surgeon’s mobility, thereby also transforming the professional role. Professional autonomy must be protected at all times. As new roles emerge within the liberal professions, such as specialists in remote surgery and virtual therapists, it is essential to maintain a strong ethical foundation. The Hippocratic Oath, which remains a cornerstone of medical ethics, must be adapted at global level to include new technologies, ensuring that patient well-being is always the top priority.












3.7.


The future role of humans in a technology-driven healthcare system: as robotics and the metaverse increasingly take on tasks traditionally performed by humans, there is a growing need to redefine the role of healthcare professionals. The EESC believes that human expertise, empathy, and judgement will always be irreplaceable in the healthcare sector. However, as technology becomes more integrated into healthcare delivery, new roles will emerge, requiring different skills and competencies. The EU should consider creating an ecosystem that supports the integration of these technologies while ensuring that healthcare professionals remain central to the process. This approach will help maintain the human touch that is so essential in patient care, even in a tech-driven environment.












3.8.


One of the most significant challenges in the adoption of robotics and the metaverse is ensuring that all citizens have access to these innovations. The EESC stresses the need for policies that prevent the creation of a digital divide, particularly between urban and rural areas, or between countries with different levels of technological infrastructure. To address this, the EU should prioritise investment in digital infrastructure, including the deployment of 5G and 6G networks, which are essential for the reliable and secure operation of these technologies. Furthermore, a European strategy should be developed to ensure that patients, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, can benefit from advancements in medical care.












3.9.


Robotics and the metaverse pose new cybersecurity risks, especially in a healthcare context where sensitive personal data is involved. The EESC highlights the importance of ensuring that robust cybersecurity protocols are in place to protect patients and healthcare institutions from cyberattacks. This includes safeguarding headsets, robotic systems, and the networks that connect them. Additionally, clear guidelines must be established for data protection, particularly concerning the cross-border flow of health data within the metaverse. Patients should have control over their data, and any use of AI in medical settings must comply with the EU’s regulatory framework, including the AI Act.












3.10.


The EESC expresses concern about the dominance of a few large, US-based technology companies in the robotics and metaverse sectors. Given the critical importance of healthcare to individual lives, it is essential for Europe to develop its own technological capabilities and avoid becoming overly reliant on foreign corporations. The EU should foster a competitive European market that encourages innovation while maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards.




4.   Technical recommendations









4.1.


Managing the supply chain for both software and hardware components is crucial. This includes ensuring that updates to the software in the metaverse align with the physical capabilities of the robotics systems. It is essential that updates do not disrupt critical medical operations, such as during surgeries. Additionally, clear responsibility must be established for monitoring and responding to emerging threats, including ransomware attacks or scams that could compromise the integrity of the system.












4.2.


When integrating robotics and the metaverse into healthcare, several technical factors must be taken into account. These include bandwidth availability, latency, and the fidelity of the systems to ensure smooth and reliable performance. Connectivity must be guaranteed, with careful attention to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference, especially in critical environments like operating theatres. Human interfaces, such as headsets and gesture-based controls, must also be reliable, ergonomic, and intuitive for healthcare professionals.












4.3.


Safety is paramount when using robotics in conjunction with the metaverse. One critical issue is the accuracy of geospatial mapping, which ensures that robotic systems can perform precise actions. Potential failure modes must be identified, particularly those that could arise from the metaverse acting as an intermediary layer between the human operator and the robot. There must be fallback solutions, both manual and automated, that can be employed if systems fail – such as during a power outage – ensuring that patient safety is not compromised.




5.   Examples of robotics and the metaverse in the medical sector









5.1.


Robotics-assisted surgery: The surgeon controls the robot from a console, improving surgical precision and enabling minimally invasive procedures. Although the robot is physically in the operating room, there are efforts to integrate such systems into telemedicine remote surgeries. With the development of the metaverse, the surgeon could even operate within a virtual environment, interacting with the robot remotely.












5.2.


NASA and remote surgery: NASA is already researching robotic systems that could enable surgeries in space or remote locations. This will be significantly enhanced by the interplay of metaverse technologies and robotics, allowing immersive control and precise interventions.












5.3.


Virtual Reality (VR) simulations for medical training: Universities and hospitals are increasingly using VR platforms for medical training. With VR and the metaverse, medical students and professionals can train in realistic virtual scenarios, such as performing surgeries or diagnosing patients.












5.4.


Exoskeletons for patients with mobility limitations: Exoskeletons that assist patients in rehabilitation are increasingly being integrated with virtual systems. A patient could walk through a virtual environment in the metaverse while physically supported by an exoskeleton to restore motor functions.












5.5.


Virtual environments for psychological treatment: The metaverse can be used for immersive therapeutic environments, where patients with mental health conditions (such as anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder) can be treated. By creating controlled virtual scenarios, patients can overcome specific fears or experience emotional processing.






Brussels, 26 February 2025.


The President


of the European Economic and Social Committee

Oliver RÖPKE
               





ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/2008/oj
ISSN 1977-091X (electronic edition)