Tactile Feedback in Surgical Applications

In recent years, robots have become an increasingly viable part of minimally invasive surgery.  They offer improved range of motion in laparoscopic techniques.  The drawback has been that robots have lacked the sense of touch, or haptic feedback, that is so vital in many procedures, such as applying force to sutures.

Force Feedback System Improves Robotic Grasping Force

The Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT) at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine is developing a pneumatic balloon-based tactile feedback system for an existing robotic surgical system.  FlexiForce^® sensors mounted at the distal end of a robotic grasper proportionately translate pressures applied to the surgeon’s fingers via balloon actuator arrays.  Researchers have already demonstrated a reduced grasping force using this system. More information about this project can be found at UCLA’s website.

Getting Started with FlexiForce Sensors

FlexiForce sensors are available off-the-shelf in packs of four or eight for testing and prototyping.  Visit our online store to place an order, or contact us to discuss customization options with one of our engineers.