Bio-Inspired, Motor-Less Robot Precisely Excises Tumors
Bioinspired, motor-free surgical robot uses hydraulic precision & a leech-inspired gripper to remove intestinal tumors, excising tissue accurately in confined spaces.
"RoboPub" Publication: 20% Discount Offer Link.
A research team from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) published an article titled “Development of a Bioinspired Soft Robotic System for Teleoperated Endoscopic Surgery” in *Cyborg and Bionic Systems*, a journal under China’s Plan for Enhancing Sci-Tech Journals. They developed a novel soft robotic surgical system.
The system’s standout feature is its motor-free design, relying solely on hydraulic transmission to achieve precise endoscopic surgical operations. Inspired by the leech, the researchers designed a unique three-jaw gripper that mimics a leech’s suction cup, securely grasping tissue.
In ex vivo pig intestine experiments, the system successfully completed the grasping, lifting, and electro-resection of diseased tissue, demonstrating its potential for precise surgery in confined intestinal spaces.
Why Develop a Soft Surgical Robot?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with a high mortality rate. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a key treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer, enabling surgery through natural body orifices, avoiding the incisions required in traditional laparoscopic procedures.