Biomimetic Octo-Tentacle Robotic System for Precision Surgical Applications

Biomimetic Octo-Tentacle Surgical Robot (O-BOT) represents an advanced technological solution which can improve precision, flexibility, and safety during minimally invasive surgical operations. The robot was inspired by the flexibility and adaptability of an octopus tentacle, which is why it has a segmented robotic arm driven by highly accurate servos that allow for a continuous and flexible motion in all directions within the anatomically complex region. Thus, the flexible design allows overcoming the shortcomings of the existing surgical rigid robots and improving access and manipulability in difficult surgical environments. Mirror motion control system is used in order to replicate surgeons' hand motions in real-time, thus facilitating the process of controlling the tool and greatly decreasing the period required for mastering its use. In addition to this, the system includes force and flex sensors for real-time pressure sensing and regulation in order to decrease the risk of damaging tissues. Moreover, O-BOT has a built-in vision module to provide real-time feedback during the procedure. Finally, artificial intelligence-based diagnostic module based on convolutional neural networks allows analyzing different medical imaging datasets (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound) and identifying the presence of fibroids, cysts, and other abnormalities.