New electricity-free soft robot could aid precise surgery
News
|
By
Wisse Hettinga
Biomedical engineers have developed a new soft robotic system that works without electricity or motors, allowing for more precise surgeries at lower cost
The prototype system, designed by the UNSW Medical Robotics Lab led by Dr Thanh Nho Do, uses hydraulics to manoeuvre ‘artificial muscles’ that enable a flexible robotic arm to move in all directions.
One potential major application is controlling microcatheters being used in complex endovascular procedures.
In addition, the new system – known as Soft Fibrous Syringe Architecture (SFSA) and described in a paper in Advanced Science – has built-in sensing capabilities that can detect forces and surface textures.
That could allow medical professionals to more accurately detect and operate on abnormal or excessive cells in the body, such as tumours.
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
