Current Status and Challenges in Soft Surgical Robot Technology for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Xusheng Hao

doi:10.54097/9811ff64

Authors

Xusheng Hao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/9811ff64

Keywords:

Soft robotics, minimally invasive surgery, Core technologies, Application challenges, Future outlook.

Abstract

The demand for minimally invasive surgery is growing at a speedier pace. In this context, soft robotics, characterized by high flexibility, multiple degrees of freedom, and intrinsic safety. Also, has been identified as an important development direction for next generation surgical robots. This paper presents a systematic review of the recent advances in soft surgical robots in terms of structural design and manufacturing processes, driving methods, and sensing technologies. The paper will study technical benefits and the wide application prospects of this field by examining typical medical situations, for instance, endoscopic surgeries, cardiac surgeries and breakthroughs in related technologies. To this end, the paper highlights the development bottlenecks of soft robots and further evaluates the challenges faced at technical levels on force feedback, system integration, and material development. Simultaneously, the essay describes clinical translation difficulties such as safety, stability of material, doctor operation, legal, etc. Ultimately, this paper was an analysis of state-of-the-art developments across the globe. It also provides the future trends of soft robots for intelligent integration and group collaboration. Finally, it aims to provide reference and aid for clinical researchers working in associated fields.

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