This not-so-fictional future is the dream of Dr Paolo Fiorini, who coordinated the EUROSURGE project, which ultimately targets the commercialisation of newly developed technologies in this sector. Resources are becoming a more pressing concern every year for hospitals across Europe, while an ageing population, and higher expectations, are increasing the demands on healthcare services. Technology is one of the ways that we can hope to "square the circle" of improving the quality of care during surgery, while ensuring that such services remain accessible for patients.