A digitally controlled, remotely operated ICSI system: case report of the first live birth
Mendizabal-Ruiz et al., 2025
This groundbreaking study reports the world's first baby born using a remotely operated ICSI system, where the embryologist controlling the procedure was in a different location from the eggs and sperm.
The system allows an expert embryologist to perform ICSI from anywhere with an internet connection, using a computer interface to control robotic instruments at the clinic. The technology includes AI assistance for tasks like selecting the best sperm and positioning tools precisely.
After successful testing with animal models, the system was used for a patient whose eggs were in Mexico while the embryologist operated the system from a different city. The procedure resulted in normal fertilization, embryo development, and ultimately a healthy live birth. This achievement opens the possibility for patients in areas without specialized fertility experts to access high-quality ICSI procedures performed remotely by experienced embryologists from major centers.
Overall, the work represents a significant technical advancement towards the automation of the IVF laboratory, while also paving the way to remote human oversight over of such automated systems.