| The Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung (IPA), Stuttgart, Germany, has realized the
first functional surgical robot prototype. The principal goals of the new technology are increased safety of
micro-surgical procedures and feasibility of micro-therapy. An ideal mechanical solution was found in the PI M-850
Hexapod, a six-degree-of freedom parallel-kinematics micropositioning system (see Fig. 12). Providing higher stiffness,
load capacity and accuracy in a smaller package than conventional "stacked" multi-axis positioners, the hexapod
principle allows sub-micron precision even under high loads. |
The hexapod which serves as modular platform for different instruments, such as endoscopes, is controlled by
a cockpit similar to a flight simulator. The cock- pit also enhances the surgeon's spatial understanding of the
operation site, the endoscope's position and speed. IPA engineers consider this novel system the first step towards
the ergonomic operating room of the future. Special thanks to Prof. Westkämper and Dr. Thomas Weisener of IPA for
supplying the information and graphics.
More information on hexapod surgical robots.
General information on on Hexapods.
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