Autonomous robotic surgery represents a groundbreaking field integrating robotic systems with varying degrees of autonomy for surgical procedures. This review explores the current state of autonomous robotic surgery, its historical development, key benefits, risks, and ethical and legal considerations. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has enabled significant advancements, with some autonomous systems already in clinical use for procedures like venipuncture, hair implantation, intestinal anastomosis, and cochlear implantation. The review outlines the levels of autonomy in robotic surgery, ranging from level 0 (transparent teleoperation) to level 5 (fully autonomous surgery). Current autonomous robotic systems, such as the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) and the TSolution One, demonstrate capabilities in tasks like bowel anastomosis and bone drilling. However, challenges remain, including the complexity of real-time decision-making, limited tactile feedback, and ethical concerns regarding accountability and liability. Legal frameworks are still evolving, with regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Parliament emphasizing the need for human oversight in autonomous surgical systems. Despite these challenges, the potential of autonomous robotic surgery to improve surgical outcomes and accessibility is significant. The review concludes that while autonomous robotic surgery holds promise, ongoing research and development are essential to address technical, ethical, and legal challenges. The future of surgery may see a collaboration between surgeons and autonomous robots, enhancing precision and consistency in medical procedures.Autonomous robotic surgery represents a groundbreaking field integrating robotic systems with varying degrees of autonomy for surgical procedures. This review explores the current state of autonomous robotic surgery, its historical development, key benefits, risks, and ethical and legal considerations. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has enabled significant advancements, with some autonomous systems already in clinical use for procedures like venipuncture, hair implantation, intestinal anastomosis, and cochlear implantation. The review outlines the levels of autonomy in robotic surgery, ranging from level 0 (transparent teleoperation) to level 5 (fully autonomous surgery). Current autonomous robotic systems, such as the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) and the TSolution One, demonstrate capabilities in tasks like bowel anastomosis and bone drilling. However, challenges remain, including the complexity of real-time decision-making, limited tactile feedback, and ethical concerns regarding accountability and liability. Legal frameworks are still evolving, with regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Parliament emphasizing the need for human oversight in autonomous surgical systems. Despite these challenges, the potential of autonomous robotic surgery to improve surgical outcomes and accessibility is significant. The review concludes that while autonomous robotic surgery holds promise, ongoing research and development are essential to address technical, ethical, and legal challenges. The future of surgery may see a collaboration between surgeons and autonomous robots, enhancing precision and consistency in medical procedures.