Use Of Robotic Technology Research Articles

Racionalization of Robotic Workstation in Welding Industry

Abstract The growing pressure to increase productivity and production quality is one of the reasons for the growing interest in using automated production facilities, such as robots. In many enterprises, automated lines are introduced that partially or completely replace the human factor. The automotive industry was one of the first to start using automated robots and still is the one of the largest users of these devices. Flexibility and affordability enabled robots to become part of the industry’s automation strategy. In order to achieve the desired goals, it is necessary to modernize and automate workplaces or to create completely new concepts of grouping of machines and industrial robots. An increasing trend in the use of robotic technology has caused several factors that have changed significantly in the recent years in favor of automated workplaces. The main changes made by industrial robots to the fore are improving their technical parameters, high reliability, affordability, reduced operating and maintenance costs.

A short history of robotic surgery.

A concise review of the use of robotic technology to enhance surgery

Robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer: where do we stand?

The use of robotic technology in rectal cancer surgery has gained wide adoption worldwide during the last ten years. However, the scientific evidence in support of such an approach is limited and the potential benefits of this technology are advocated based on the results of small and low-quality studies. The aim of this manuscript is to review the literature and to update the current knowledge of the impact of robot-assisted resection on the outcomes of rectal cancer patients.

Robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma: Propensity matched analysis of the National Cancer Database.

104 Background: The use of robotic technology in gastrointestinal surgical oncology is on the rise. We compared the outcomes of laparoscopic (LG) and robotic gastrectomies (RG) performed for gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: The NCDB database was queried for patients ≥ 18 years old with stage I-III GA who underwent LG or RG. Propensity matching was performed between the two groups with regards to clinical staging, adjuvant treatment, demographics, and the extent of surgery. Results: A cohort of 1893 (1262-LG, 631-RG) patients was identified in a 2:1 propensity matching. Demographics and co-morbidities were similar between the groups. The clinical staging and the extent of the surgery were well matched. The rate of negative margin as well 30 and 90-day mortality was similar between the two cohorts. Outcomes with respect to readmission and length of stay were also similar (Table 1). Long-term survival was not significantly different between the two cohorts, with a median survival of 49 months for LG cohort and 56.1 months in the RG cohort (p=0.405). Also, lymph node (LN) positivity was similar between the two groups (40.1 % 42.8%, p= 0.278) However, the average number of LN sampled was significantly higher in the RA group compared to the LA group (19.6 vs 17.4, p<0.001). Similarly, the percentage of surgeries in which ≥ 15 LNs were sampled was also greater in the RG group compared to the LG group (63.9% vs 57.6%, p=0.010). Conclusions: Greater number of patients in the RG group achieved NCCN guideline of harvesting ≥ 15 lymph nodes for more accurate staging. RG may allow a greater harvest of lymph nodes without increasing short term adverse outcomes compared to LG. Long term outcomes in this well matched cohort appears comparable for both approaches.

Minimally invasive techniques in thymic surgery: a worldwide perspective.

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are important in surgical management of thymic pathologies. Traditional access techniques are being replaced with minimally invasive techniques using multiportal or uniportal approach. Adoption of minimally invasive techniques for thymic malignancies has been slow due to long term recurrence concerns. Recent studies show that minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic approach to early stage thymic malignancies are associated with less intraoperative bleeding, lower rate of respiratory complications, shorter chest tube duration and shorter hospital stay. Oncologic outcomes are at least equivalent to open approach. Minimally invasive approach for benign pathologies is widely applied. There are significant variations in VATS approaches for thymus, showing a multinational interest in the issue of minimizing trauma during thymectomy. Use of robotic technology is also popular, as the retrosternal area is a narrow anatomic space to manipulate conventional instruments. The evolution of minimally invasive surgery for thymus has been possible with contribution from centers all around the world. In the current practice, various approaches are being adopted and every surgeon should prefer a technique depending on surgical preference and experience.

Feasibility of Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair.

Published results from mesh placement in the preperitoneal space between the posterior fascia and peritoneum for ventral hernia repair are limited. We describe our initial experience regarding the feasibility of a robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (rTAPP) ventral hernia repair. The study is a retrospective review and descriptive analysis of consecutive and prospectively collected data regarding rTAPP ventral hernia repair conducted by a single surgeon between 2014 and 2016. Fifty-four consecutive rTAPP ventral hernia repairs were performed, and all but two cases were elective. Indications were: 41 primary ventral, 5 incisional, 3 lumbar, 2 Spigelian, 1 recurrent incisional, 1 combined flank and inguinal, and 1 combined primary ventral and inguinal. The mean operative time was 73 minutes (range 25-217 minutes). The average hernia defect was 9.7 cm2, whereas the average size of synthetic mesh was 178 cm2. Forty-six cases were completed through an rTAPP approach, and 8 were via partial rTAPP due to multiple peritoneal defects. Estimated blood loss was 5-10 mL. Forty-nine patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Two complications occurred: symptomatic seroma requiring aspiration in the office and rectus sheath hematoma requiring hospital readmission and blood transfusion. Our study results support the safe and effective placement of mesh in the preperitoneal space via the use of robotic technology, and they represent the largest single-surgeon series of robotic-assisted TAPP ventral hernia repair. Large, multicenter prospective trials could further elucidate the potential benefits and the long-term outcomes from this approach.

Use of Robotic Technology in Surgery

A large number of developments occur in the field of robotic technology, especially the use of robots in surgery shows great help and care, and open new ways of surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, we get great help by using robots. The vascular and endovascular fields also have application of robotics. Many robots are now prepared for better work in every field. Nowadays, the work on nanorobots is also getting attention of the researchers for more precise and less error results in surgeries. Surgeries through robots make complex surgeries easy to perform with more accuracy and error-free.

Measurement of Immediate Effect by Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Using a New Desktop Rehabilitation Robot

Objective: More frequent use of robot technology in the field of rehabilitation is driving the need for smaller, less cumbersome devices. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate and compare quantitatively the upper limb function of chronic stroke patients before and after therapeutic electrical stimulation using a newly developed rehabilitation robot. Methods: Five stroke patients (3 men, 2 women; mean age: 66.4 ± 9.6 years; time since stroke: 36.0 ± 52.9 months) in the sub-acute and chronic phase of stroke-induced hemiplegia (induced by cerebral hemorrhage in four and by cerebral infarction in one; Brunnstrom stages III-V) participated in the study. None of them had any secondary motor neuron dysfunction or unstable disease control. Before and after 15 min of therapeutic electrical stimulation for repeated finger flexion and extension, participants performed reaching movements while moving the rehabilitation robot with their affected hand. Assessment parameters included Maximum swerve, Average speed, and smoothness of movements, as calculated by Jerk cost X (right-left direction) and Jerk cost Y (forward-backward direction). Results: All patients were able to use the rehabilitation robot to perform the reaching movements. Clear differences were observed before and after therapeutic electrical stimulation for Maximum swerve and Average speed in the X direction, and there was a tendency for Jerk cost X to differ before and after therapeutic electrical stimulation. In contrast, there were no significant differences in either Jerk cost Y or Average speed in the Y direction before and after the stimulation. Conclusion: The immediate effects of therapeutic electrical stimulation in chronic stroke patients can be quantified using our newly developed rehabilitation robot. Successful quantification of the effects of therapeutic electrical stimulation in stroke patients using smaller robotic systems could revolutionize the rehabilitation of these and other patients suffering from motor dysfunction or paralysis.

Robótica Educacional no Brasil: questões em aberto, desafios e perspectivas futuras

This paper investigates the current situation in the field of educational robotics and identifies challenges and open questions focusing on the use of robotic technologies as a tool that will support creativity and other learning skills for the individual education. Therefore, conclusions and proposals are presented for promoting cooperation of researchers and teachers in Brazil that might support the further development of the robotics movement in education.

Robotic gastric bypass may lead to fewer complications compared with laparoscopy

Robotic technology leads to improved visualization and precision over laparoscopy but also higher cost of care. The benefits of this technology to patient outcomes are controversial. Our objective was to assess whether the application of robotic surgery to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) would lead to improved patient outcomes. A prospectively collected database at a bariatric center of excellence was reviewed for all RYGB procedures performed by one surgeon between 2007 and 2015. Procedures performed laparoscopically (transoral circular stapling technique) versus robotically (hand-sewn anastomosis) were compared; the transition in technique occurred in 2011. Patient demographics, baseline weight, BMI, operation duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year follow-up were compared between groups. Morbidity up to 1-year postop was assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Of 246 patients, 125 underwent robotic and 121 laparoscopic RYGB. Patients in the robotic group were older and heavier but achieved similar %EWL to the laparoscopic group. The operative duration was longer but the mean patient LOS was shorter with the robotic approach. There were no leaks and no mortality. Based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, fewer overall and fewer severe complications occurred in the robotic compared with the laparoscopic approach. In our experience, the use of robotic technology for the creation of gastric bypass led to longer operative times, similar %EWL but decreased LOS and number and severity of complications compared with the laparoscopic approach. Since our findings may have been influenced by the type of anastomotic technique used with each approach they need confirmation by a controlled trial.

Robotic surgery in hip and knee arthroplasty.

This article provides an overview of current use of robotics in hip and knee arthroplasty. Several studies have reported radiographic improvements in joint alignment using robotic-assisted arthroplasty surgery. The economic case made for introducing robotics in joint arthroplasty largely focuses on the hypothesis of reduced hospital stay and reduction in the rate of revisions. This awaits robust data from long-term studies along with the documentation of clinical benefits that will follow the larger implementation of robotic-assisted surgery. However, modern robotic systems offer an opportunity for reproducible implementation of a preoperative plan, with low complication rates. Growing clinical use may in future present robust data demonstrating an appreciable clinical benefit that justifies the large scale clinical use of robotic technology.

Robotics in general thoracic surgery procedures.

The use of robotic technology in general thoracic surgical practice continues to expand across various institutions and at this point many major common thoracic surgical procedures have been successfully performed by general thoracic surgeons using the robotic technology. These procedures include lung resections, excision of mediastinal masses, esophagectomy and reconstruction for malignant and benign esophageal pathologies. The success of robotic technology can be attributed to highly magnified 3-D visualization, dexterity afforded by 7 degrees of freedom that allow difficult dissections in narrow fields and the ease of reproducibility once the initial set up and instruments become familiar to the surgeon. As the application of robotic technology trickle downs from major academic centers to community hospitals, it becomes imperative that its role, limitations, learning curve and financial impact are understood by the novice robotic surgeon. In this article, we share our experience as it relates to the setup, common pitfalls and long term results for more commonly performed robotic assisted lung and thymic resections using the 4 arm da Vinci Xi robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to help guide those who are interested in adopting this technology.

Legality of Lethal Autonomous Weapons AKA Killer Robots

Automated warfare including aerial drones that are extensively used in ongoing armed conflicts is now an established part of military technology worldwide. It is only logical to assume that the next step of progression for military technology would be to strengthen the autonomy of weapon systems to the extent that the human is completely removed from the loop. Ongoing discussions at different multilateral fora on the definition of ‘Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems’ (LAWS), mainly focus on a preemptive ban on LAWS on one hand and the justification of the dual use of technology on the other. Those who advocate for a pre-emptive ban on LAWS argue that such weapon systems are not able to or at least highly unlikely to comply with the fundamental principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).The issue of accountability and criminal responsibility of individuals and States for serious violations of IHL and IHRL in the use of LAWS is also matter of fundamental importance. Considering the dual use of robot technology and already existing degree of autonomy in current warfare, what is essential is to engage in meaningful deliberations to arrive at common understandings on compliance of LAWS with the principles of IHL and IHRL in their use as an essential prerequisite ahead of their deployment in future conflicts.

Technology Focus: Production and Facilities (December 2016)

Technology Focus I keep a sign on my desk, purported to be a Chinese proverb, that says, “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” This bit of wisdom certainly applies as we recap the impressive progress made in a wide range of technologies related to production and facilities. Significant advances were reported in materials, field optimization, safe operations, corrosion, and wellbore-related technologies. In each area, progress was reported toward more-efficient field development, extended equipment and pipeline service life, and reduced environmental-release risks. In materials, papers described new liquid coatings (SPE 176048, SPE 179933) as well as new alloy coatings (SPE 176930) that provide improved corrosion- and erosion-resistance properties. The strength and fit-for-service range is being extended for pipelines by the development of new polymeric and composite materials (OTC 26506, OTC 27179). On the flip side, a material for fully degradable fracturing plugs was also reported (SPE 176917). Who knew that sometimes we want things to fall apart in a timely manner? In field optimization, the development of an artificial-neural-network (ANN) model significantly reduced the amount of computational time required to generate an optimal well-placement strategy (SPE 177442). An ANN-modeling approach also improved the reliability and accuracy of a model for detecting gas-pipeline leaks from basic flow-rate, velocity, pressure, and temperature signatures of the pipeline (SPE 177459). Another paper reported on the development of an Excel-based tool that allows nonchemists, field personnel, and engineers to make rapid determinations of the threat to asset integrity by sour (hydrogen-sulfide-containing) production streams (SPE 179921). For safe operations, a model was developed to improve the reliability of blowout-preventer control systems that included the interaction of multidomain dynamically coupled systems rather than just taking a steady-state approach (OTC 27292). Another paper described advances in the use of robotic technology for internal pressure-vessel inspections, significantly reducing the required time and personnel hazards associated with conventional human-entry inspections (SPE 177913). A combination of drill-rig automation and improved inspection technologies reduces well-workover times (and costs) while also reducing personnel exposure to operational hazards. One paper described an online method for inspecting tubing as it was being pulled from a well by use of electromagnetic inspection (SPE 177741), while another described an automated pipe-racking system that removes personnel from this hazardous procedure (SPE 176336). These papers are only a limited sampling of the progress made this past year in the development of new technology for production and facilities. Several of these technical advancements may now allow operators to do routinely what many may have previously said cannot be done. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 176930 Boosting Performance of Component Assets Used in Unconventional-Resource Plays With Nanolaminated Alloy Coatings by Christina Lomasney, Modumetal, et al. SPE 177741 Application of Flux Leakage Technique and Hydrostatic Pressure Testing To Evaluate Imperfections in Used Tubing by Fajarul Majeed M, AlMansoori Inspection Services OTC 27292 Holistic Systems Analysis: A Case Study Demonstrating Simple Models Improving the Reliability of the BOP Control Equipment Ecosystem by Daniel C. Barker, Cameron SPE 176048 Next-Generation Damage-Resistant Liquid Coatings by Melvin Devadass, 3M, et al.

A new treatment in the rehabilitation of the paretic upper limb after stroke: the ARAMIS prototype and treatment protocol.

In recent years, as part of the rehabilitation of post stroke patients, the use of robotic technologies to improve recovery of upper limb has become more widespread. The Automatic Recovery Arm Motility Integrated System (ARAMIS) is a concept robot and prototype designed to promote the functional interaction of the arms in the neurorehabilitation of the paretic upper limb. Two computer-controlled, symmetric and interacting exoskeletons compensate for the inadequate strength and accuracy of the paretic arm and the effect of gravity during rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is possible in 3 different modalities; asynchronous, synchronous and active-assisted. To compare the effectiveness of robotic rehabilitation by an exoskeleton prototype system with traditional rehabilitation in motor and functional recovery of the upper limb after stroke. Case-control study, 52 patients enrolled in the study, 28 cases (women: 8, age: 65 ± 10 yrs) treated with ARAMIS and 24 controls (women: 11, age: 69 ± 7 yrs) with conventional rehabilitation. Motor impairment assessed before and after treatment with Fugl-Meyer scale and Motricity Index, level of disability assessed with the Functional Independence Measure. A questionnaire was also administered to assess the patient's tolerance to robotic therapy. After 28 ± 4 sessions over a 54 ± 3.6-day period, the patients treated by ARAMIS had an improvement on the Fugl-Meyer scale (global score from 43 ± 18 to 73 ± 29; p < 0.00001), Motricity Index scale (p < 0.004) and Functional Independence Measure (p < 0.001). A lesser degree of improvement was achieved using conventional rehabilitation, the Fugl-Meyer global score of the control group improved from 41 ± 13 to 58 ± 16 (p < 0.006) and the motor function item from 9.4 ± 4.1 to 14.9 ± 5.8 (p < 0.023). Motor improvement was greater at the wrist and hand than at shoulder and elbow level in patients treated by ARAMIS and controls, but it was significantly greater in ARAMIS-treated patients than in controls. The results indicate a greater efficacy of ARAMIS compared to conventional rehabilitation.

Robotic Follicular Unit Graft Selection.

The use of robotic technology to harvest grafts in a follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant procedure has been available since 2011. A new capability of the robotic system is to harvest follicular units based on the number of hairs they contain to increase the hair/wound yield. To assess the benefit of follicular unit graft selection during a robotic FUE procedure. This bilateral controlled study of 24 patients was designed to evaluate the ability of a robotic system to perform follicular unit graft selection. Compared with random follicular unit harvesting (the method performed by current robotic systems), robotic follicular unit graft selection produced more hairs per harvest attempt (2.60 vs 2.22) and more hairs per graft (2.72 vs 2.44). The clinical benefit of follicular unit graft selection (as measured by the increase in hairs per harvest attempt) was 17.0%. The clinical benefit (as measured by the increase in hairs per graft) was 11.4%. Results were statistically significant at p < .01. This study demonstrates the ability of robotic follicular unit graft selection to increase the amount of hairs yielded per donor wounds made in an FUE procedure.

P.054 The use of robotic technology to define post-operative neurological dysfunction in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery: a feasibility study

Background: Cognitive dysfunction following coronary artery bypass surgery is a regular occurrence, but its cause is still unknown. In order to devise strategies to mitigate this acquired disability, a precise and quantitative description of the post-operative neurocognitive phenotype is necessary. This study is designed to assess the feasibility of using the KINARM robot to quantify the changes in the neurological function after cardaic surgery. Methods: Patients without prior history of cognitive dysfunction were recruited from the pre-operative cardiac surgery clinic, and underwent pre-operative assessment with the KINARM. The KINARM provides a quantitative assessment of the neurocognitive control of the upper limbs. During bypass surgery, brain tissue oxygen levels were measured with near-infrared spectroscopy. Patients were reassessed with the KINARM post-operatively at 3 months. Results: To date, 12 participants have been recruited (mean age = 65 years, all male). On straightforward tasks, such as visually guided reaching, the majority of patients scored within the normal range, both pre- and post-operatively. In more complex tasks, required visuospatial and executive functioning, post-operative deficits were more pronounced. Conclusions: It is feasible to use the KINARM robot to provide a quantitative measurement of the neurocognitive phenotype of patients after cardiac surgery.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN COLON SURGERY WITH USAGE OF LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUE AND ROBOTIC ASSISTANCE

The analysis of short-term results of 117 laparoscopic and 16 robotic-assistant colon surgeries, performed in NMSC N.I.Pirogov between January 2011 and May 2015 was undertaken. There were 90 resections for colon cancer, 31 for diverticular disease and one for megacolon. Also results of 11 reconstructive operation after Hartmann procedure was investigated. In 74 cases of cancer operation were performed with mesocolonectomy and central vessels ligature. In 16 patients sceletization of inferior mesenteric artery and paraortal lymphadenectomy was performed. Morbidity rate was 11,3 % among all patients. The use of robotic technology in colon surgery is not an optimal option due to low cost effectiveness and prolonged operating time comparing to those after routine laparoscopic procedures.

Treatment of Glioma Using neuroArm Surgical System.

The use of robotic technology in the surgical treatment of brain tumour promises increased precision and accuracy in the performance of surgery. Robotic manipulators may allow superior access to narrow surgical corridors compared to freehand or conventional neurosurgery. This paper reports values and ranges of tool-tissue interaction forces during the performance of glioma surgery using an MR compatible, image-guided neurosurgical robot called neuroArm. The system, capable of microsurgery and stereotaxy, was used in the surgical resection of glioma in seven cases. neuroArm is equipped with force sensors at the end-effector allowing quantification of tool-tissue interaction forces and transmits force of dissection to the surgeon sited at a remote workstation that includes a haptic interface. Interaction forces between the tool tips and the brain tissue were measured for each procedure, and the peak forces were quantified. Results showed maximum and minimum peak force values of 2.89 N (anaplastic astrocytoma, WHO grade III) and 0.50 N (anaplastic oligodendroglioma, WHO grade III), respectively, with the mean of peak forces varying from case to case, depending on type of the glioma. Mean values of the peak forces varied in range of 1.27 N (anaplastic astrocytoma, WHO grade III) to 1.89 N (glioblastoma with oligodendroglial component, WHO grade IV). In some cases, ANOVA test failed to reject the null hypothesis of equality in means of the peak forces measured. However, we could not find a relationship between forces exerted to the pathological tissue and its size, type, or location.

Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Otolaryngology

ABSTRACT Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly utilized in head and neck surgery. Robotic surgery for Pediatric Otolaryngology, while still in its relative infancy, represents a new advancement that may improve outcomes and decrease morbidity associated with traditional endoscopic procedures. In this chapter, we review the utilization of robotic platforms in Otolaryngology, discuss current literature describing the use of robotic technology for Pediatric Otolaryngology, and explore potential new applications in Pediatric Otolaryngology for robotic platforms. How to cite this article Roy S, Smith B. Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Otolaryngology. Int J Head Neck Surg 2016;7(2):120-123.