In this paper, it is shown that a robot arm may be programmed to replace the stereotaxic frame for trajectory guidance. Since the robot is driven by a computer, it offers substantial flexibility, speed and accuracy advantages over the frame. It allows a surgeon to conveniently manipulate the probe trajectory in a variety of possible directions. As a consequence, even more sophisticated stereotaxic procedures are now possible.
An experimental robotic stereotaxic system is now in operation. It is described in detail in this paper. In laboratory experiments the robotic stereotaxic system has already demonstrated its capability over the stereotaxic frame. This new experimental development will eventually be the core of an integrated computerized stereotaxic system for use in actual surgery.