Despite strong evidence demonstrating the technical efficacy and safety of robotic surgery, emotional and cognitive factors heighten perceptions of risk, weaken trust in robotic systems, and contribute to resistance. We aim at studying how emotional notions of embodiment shape surgeons’ interactions with robotic systems and how these influence risk perceptions and impact adoption. Our goal is to reveal the complex interplay between robotic interfaces, the cognitive demands of decision-making, particularly in high–pressure surgical environments, and provide practical approaches to enhance haptic simulations to address the loss of tactile sensitivity, promote real-time robotic practice, and strategies to advance transitions from traditional surgery to robotic systems. Ultimately, the study findings will contribute to research by considering emotional and cognitive considerations when designing, training, and deploying robotic systems. Practically, it will facilitate a more integrative approach to robotic technology adoption in healthcare. Keywords Robotic-assisted surgery, embodiment, emotional detachment, sociomateriality