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The rise of surgical robots

Robert Bogue (Consultant, Okehampton, UK)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 13 July 2021

Issue publication date: 3 August 2021

319

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the growing importance of surgical robots by providing a short historical background and details of a selection of today’s products and their applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first provides an historical perspective. It then discusses systems used in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This is followed by examples of products aimed at other surgical applications and, finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

The concept of robotic surgery arose in the 1960s and trials commenced in the 1980s. The business is now in a highly dynamic phase with numerous recent product launches and a growing number late-stage developments. MIS systems are attracting much interest but robotic technology is also being applied to many additional surgical procedures.

Originality/value

This provides an insight into the emergence and commercialisation of robotic surgical systems.

Keywords

Citation

Bogue, R. (2021), "The rise of surgical robots", Industrial Robot, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 335-340. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-01-2021-0020

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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