Restoring the Sense of Touch in Robotic Surgery

In robotic surgery, surgeons rely on sensor-provided data instead of direct contact with the patient, with cameras offering essential visual feedback. However, despite the importance of precision and safety in Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS), the absence of haptic feedback remains a significant challenge, particularly for delicate tissue manipulation.

Making Robot-Assisted Surgery more Reliable through F/T Sensors

Haptic feedback can be enabled by force/torque sensors that measure tissue contact forces right at the distal end of the instrument. These sensors are integrated into haptic input devices or surgical instruments, allowing surgeons to “feel” the tissue they are working on.

Resense GmbH is dedicated to advancing surgical technology with the sensing technology. The miniature 6-axis force/torque sensors enhance precision and safety of robot-assisted surgical systems, providing surgeons with the essential haptic feedback needed to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and confidence.

Key Benefits of Integrating Resense F/T Sensors into Surgical Tools:

Unmatched Precision: The compact F/T sensors, with diameters as small as 8 mm, can be seamlessly integrated into the tips of surgical tools, offering unparalleled precision in force and torque measurement.
Optimal Haptic Feedback: The sensors capture detailed force and torque data, which can be fed back, allowing surgeons to “feel” the tissue they are working on, just as they would in traditional surgery.
Enhanced Safety: By providing real-time haptic feedback, the sensors enable surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and confidence, reducing the risk of unintended tissue damage.

Prototype sensors are currently being tested in both academic and industrial settings, indicating that force and torque measurement is a high priority for many institutions at the moment.

Learn more about Resense and their sensor technology for medical robotics and surgical instruments at Sensor Technology for Medical Robotics and Surgical Instruments and our website.