Digital surgery: the future of medicine and human‐robot symbiotic interaction

Abstract

Describes the development and application of the haptic whole arm manipulator (WAM) robotic arm in surgical operations. Discusses the fusion of 2D and 3D body images with the robot which allows the precise positioning of laparoscopic and other surgical tools to assist human surgeons. Benefits attributed to this system include minimally invasive surgery, reduced collateral damage, reduced infection risks and reduced requirements for revision surgery.