Integrating Force Sensors into Robotic Surgery

Due to advances in electronics and technology, robotic surgery has become increasingly popular. Surgeons no longer have to operate directly on a patient, but instead can control a robot to carry out the procedure. Robotic surgery has benefits to both the surgeon and the patient. For the surgeon, robots display 3D visualization for enhanced viewing of the operative area and improve the control, precision, and range of motion of smaller instruments. While robotic surgery may seem like the future of the medical industry, it still has obstacles to overcome. One significant disadvantage to robotic surgery is the lack of haptic technology, which provides physical sensations that enable electronics to give their users force feedback.