Advanced Intelligent Systems for Surgical Robotics
June 2020
in “
Advanced Intelligent Systems
”
TLDR Surgical robots have improved but still can't perform tasks or make decisions on their own.
The document reviewed the evolution and advancements in surgical robotics, emphasizing the transition from open to robot-assisted surgeries and the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). It highlighted the development of new laparoscopic surgical robots like ZEUS, da Vinci, RAVEN, and MiroSurge, which featured improved imaging, haptic feedback, and portability. The integration of advanced visual imaging (US, CT, MRI) and force sensing technologies enhanced surgical precision and safety. Position sensing and actuation technologies, including magnetic actuation and haptic feedback systems, were discussed for their potential to improve surgical outcomes. The document also explored the use of VR and AR head-mounted displays, thermal sensors, and advanced pressure systems in surgical applications. Despite significant progress, challenges such as high costs, mechanical failures, and regulatory hurdles remained, with supervised autonomy suggested as a feasible approach to combine human expertise with robotic precision.