The lack of haptic feedback in robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has long been a critical limitation, forcing surgeons to rely on visual cues like tissue deformation or color changes. Studies confirm that force feedback significantly improves precision, reduces tissue damage, and accelerates procedures. While a leading manufacturer has successfully introduced a system with genuine force feedback after 14 years of development, the high costs and patented solutions create a dilemma for newcomers, who struggle with the time and capital required to develop comparable technology.
Sensodrive offers a groundbreaking solution with its SensoJoint, a modular, torque-controlled drive featuring patented sensors and SIL3/PLe safety certification (ISO 13849, IEC 61508). These pre-certified components enable smooth, oscillation-free motion and eliminate the need for lengthy in-house validation. By integrating Advanced Torque Control (ATC), the SensoJoint provides highly precise torque measurement, allowing developers to determine forces at the Tool Centre Point (TCP) with remarkable accuracy.
A hybrid approach combines joint-based intelligence with cost-effective sensors at the instrument tip, delivering realistic force feedback without reinventing the wheel. This modular strategy reduces development time and costs while ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. For startups and new entrants, Sensodrive’s technology accelerates time-to-market and shifts focus from low-level safety logic to clinical innovation.
In conclusion, force feedback is no longer a luxury but a clinical necessity. Sensodrive’s certified, modular drives prove that high-performance haptic systems can be achieved economically and efficiently, paving the way for the next generation of medical robots. The future belongs to those who leverage existing, certified building blocks rather than starting from scratch.
Key Topics Covered
- The importance of force feedback in robot-assisted surgery
- Challenges of developing haptic feedback systems for surgical robots
- How SensoJoint technology enables precise torque measurement and force control
- The benefits of certified, modular drives for accelerating medical robot development
- A hybrid approach to delivering realistic force feedback while reducing cost and complexity
Download Sensodrive’s whitepaper to learn more.
