Micro-robotics system could simplify abdominal surgeries

The team of researchers on the Araknes project (Array of Robots Augmenting the KiNematics and Endoluminal Surgery) is responsible for developing the technology, which can be used to operate on a wide range of conditions requiring abdominal surgery.

‘The idea is to set up a new generation of surgical robots that are less invasive and less bulky than current robots,’ said Prof Arianna Menciassi of the BioRobotics Institute at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Italy.

Menciassi and a team of researchers from across Europe focused on an approach to abdominal surgery that integrates the advantages of traditional open surgery — also known as keyhole surgery — and robotic surgery. Supported by €8.1m (£6.5m) in funding from the European Commission, the team has developed two pieces of technology over the last four years.

A tele-operated robotic system dubbed the ‘single-port laparoscopy bimanual robot’ (SPRINT) has been designed to replicate the hand movements of a surgeon. However, the system is unique because it can operate through a single incision (usually the patient’s navel), whereas existing robotic solutions require several incisions to be made to the abdomen.