Zain Achieves Guinness Record for Remote Robotic Surgery Powered by Cutting-Edge Network Technology

Kuwait has marked a historic achievement with Zain, the prominent telecoms operator, breaking a Guinness World Record for the longest-distance remote robotic surgery ever conducted. The groundbreaking surgery, which took place over a distance of more than 12,000 kilometers, connected Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in Kuwait and a patient located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This innovative achievement not only highlights advancements in healthcare but also underscores the pivotal role of modern connectivity solutions in redefining global medical practices.

The Role of Advanced Networks in Modern Healthcare

The intercontinental surgery was made possible thanks to Zain’s high-speed Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network infrastructure, which provided near-real-time connectivity. The network delivered a latency of just 199 milliseconds and 80Mb/s bandwidth, factors that were critical for ensuring the surgical precision required during the procedure. Low latency, high speeds, and minimal packet loss were the cornerstones of the infrastructure, enabling the robotic system to operate seamlessly across continents.

Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that Zain’s advanced digital framework played a transformative role in facilitating precise and reliable medical procedures. Al-Gharabally described the surgery as a “serious step toward a thriving digital future,” underlining how technological innovation and a robust telecommunications infrastructure are key to supporting mission-critical applications such as healthcare.

Collaboration Paves the Path for a Digital Healthcare Revolution

The historic operation was the result of a collaborative effort that included Kuwaiti and Brazilian medical teams, along with contributions from top-tier technology providers. The robotic systems used in the operation were developed with support from Edge Medical, a UK-based medical device company, and Aumet, an Arab healthcare technology firm. The success of this initiative reflects the potential of public and private partnerships to drive innovation in critical areas like healthcare.

Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, described the achievement as “almost like fiction” and credited it with propelling Kuwait into a position as a leader in scientific progress. The Ministry of Health also acknowledged this milestone as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation and technological leadership in the medical field.

Zain’s Broader Vision for Digital Transformation

This record-breaking accomplishment aligns closely with Zain’s broader strategy of digital transformation. By investing in advanced infrastructure and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the company aims to support diverse industries and empower innovative applications. The success of the remote robotic surgery exemplifies how these investments are not only paving the way for a digital future but also creating life-saving opportunities and elevating Kuwait’s global technological influence.

As the demand for low-latency and high-bandwidth applications continues to grow across various sectors, Zain’s milestone sheds light on the immense possibilities that lie ahead. From healthcare to other mission-critical industries, this breakthrough is a powerful demonstration of how telecommunications can revolutionize the way we connect, collaborate, and innovate.