Design of a Robotic Cameraman With Three Actuators for Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a specific branch of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that is performed on the abdomen and endoscopic tools are passed through the incision points and trocars on the abdominal wall, so they can reach the surgical site [1]. Robotic systems have been proved to be very useful as a cameraman in laparoscopic surgery; they are more stable with no fatigue and inattention and reduce the supernumerary staff required, provide excellent geometrical accuracy and improved personal control for the surgeon over the procedure, etc. The available robots for handling and control of laparoscopic lens include at least 4 actuators to fulfill the surgeon’s requirements [2]. The purpose of the present study was to develop a novel design for the laparoscope robotic arm in which while the systems move ability is maintained its active degrees of freedom are reduced.Copyright © 2006 by ASME