Although laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) remains a challenging procedure, perioperative and oncological data have been shown it to be at least similar (if not better) than open surgery. Robotics has been recently developed to overcome the limitations associated to laparoscopy. Selected comparative studies between robotic and laparoscopic LAR have shown encouraging outcomes in favor of robotics: a reduction in conversion rate, better oncological margins, better functional outcomes, a shorter learning curve, and better ergonomics. However, robotic surgery for LAR has several drawbacks (size of the system, cost, longer operative time, lack of tactile feedback), which might explain why colorectal surgeons remain circumspect; probably awaiting for larger randomized studies and better meta-analyses. The aim of this study is to review the current literature focusing on robotic rectal resection for cancer. In addition, potential future developments are evaluated and analyzed.