A new healthcare pilot is reshaping how cancer is found in the UK by combining artificial intelligence with robotic tools to speed up diagnosis.
The NHS has launched a trial that uses AI with robotic bronchoscopy to help doctors detect lung cancer earlier. The programme is led by the North East London Cancer Alliance and aims to widen access to life-saving screening.
AI is already used in healthcare to improve efficiency, diagnosis, and treatment, according to the British Medical Association. The European Commission has also noted that AI can help identify early signs of breast cancer through mammography. Lung cancer is now another focus area.
In the NHS pilot, AI software scans lung images and flags small nodules most likely to be cancerous. A robotic camera then guides biopsy tools deep into the lungs with high precision.
“Emerging technologies like robotics and AI will be a game-changer for so many people – speeding up access to treatment and delivering improved outcomes for patients which would have been unthinkable even a few short years ago,” said Liz Kendall.
One patient who benefited from early detection is David Lindsay, an IT contractor from London.
“The efficient staff scheduled me in for the bronchoscopy in the morning and I went home in the evening. It was quick and painless,” he said.
“They clearly explained the findings and after a comprehensive discussion, it was agreed that removal of the cancer was the best option.”
The trial is running at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. It combines Optellum’s AI risk tool with Intuitive’s Ion robotic bronchoscopy system.
“This pilot brings together artificial intelligence and robotic technology as genuinely disruptive tools to simplify and shorten the lung cancer diagnostic pathway,” said Anne Rigg.
The initiative also supports fairer access to screening. More than 1.5 million people have attended NHS lung checks since 2021. Around 1.4 million more are expected next year, with up to 50,000 cancers diagnosed by 2035.
“We welcome this pilot using AI and robotic technology to more quickly diagnose lung cancer,” said Jesme Fox of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
If successful, the pilot could lead to wider use of robotic bronchoscopy across the NHS.
“When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, the NHS saved my life using robotic technology,” said Wes Streeting.
“This pilot will help to catch lung cancer earlier, replacing weeks of testing with a single targeted procedure.”
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