Interface sensors for the development and testing of surgical robots

Electromechanical and software advances in medical technology and healthcare have made all types of surgical robots a reality. Manufacturers and designers of these robots turn to Interface during the research and development, product development and refinement, and testing phases to perfect surgical use cases. The sensor technologies we offer are preferred in these processes and final integration because these devices are highly regulated and require the highest levels of accuracy and reliability.

Surgeries now performed with the help of robots include procedures that were once considered invasive and carried a higher risk of failure, such as: B. coronary bypasses, the removal of cancer tissue, transplants, laser procedures and much more. When it comes to surgical robotics, doctors rely on precision to carry out these procedures as gently as possible.

The surgical robotics product development process is extremely meticulous and requires a variety of tests to confirm the accuracy of the product. One of the most important components of testing in this area is force measurement. As you can imagine, force plays a big role in surgical robotics. Every action performed must be force tested to ensure that the robot performs each surgical task with precision.

In surgical robotics, tiny forces must be measured because they work with very delicate objects in the human body. To measure these tiny forces, Interface offers a range of Interface Mini™ solutions. Interface's mini load cells are used when they are easy to touch, light in weight, or require little space. Our miniature load cells provide highly accurate measurements similar to our full-size load cells with proprietary alloy strain gauges. They are used in research and development, testing and for OEM use in robotic components.

All of our Miniature Bar Load Cells, Load Buttons, Load Discs, Miniature Tension Load Cells, S-Type Load Cells and Sealed Stainless Steel Load Cells are widely used due to their capacity and design. A variety of our load cells can be used in a standard application. Our engineers can also work with you to develop custom load cells that meet your exact needs, which is common in robotics.

Interface recently developed an application note that describes how to measure force when testing force feedback using a combination of load cells, Torque transducer and data acquisition device can be used on a surgical robotic device.

Force feedback in robotic surgery

A biomechanical medical company wanted to test the force, torque and tactile feedback of its robotic arm for invasive procedures. The surgeon's movements are mirrored by the robotic arm during surgery, and it was important that all haptic force feedback be measured to ensure safety during invasive procedures. A number of force and torque measurement interface products have been proposed for this robotic arm. These include our load buttons, S-types, mini-Torque transducer with overload protection and DAQ instruments. The functions of each device are described below:

• ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell:
  Used to measure the force of specific surgical tools such as clamps and pliers.
• SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell:
  Attaches to the tool attachment mechanism and can measure the precise forces acting on surgical tools.
• MRTP Miniature Reaction Torque Transducer with Overload Protection and Flange:
  Mounted between the motor and the joint of the robot arm to measure the torque of the arm's movements.
• BX8 8-channel data acquisition system and amplifier:
  The results of all three force sensors can be displayed and recorded with the BX8.

Each of Interface's force or torque transducers helps ensure the safety and functionality of robotic arms during invasive procedures. Force feedback measured by the robotic arm ensured that the robot applied the perfect force when using surgical tools that create incisions during operations. Additionally, the torque generated was measured to ensure that the robot arm was moving smoothly and at the correct speed. Read the application report for this surgical robot here.

This is just one example of Interface's work in the field of robotics, particularly surgical robotics. There are a growing number of devices used in specialized, precise operations that utilize force to accomplish their task.