An experimental telesurgery robot

Surgical robotics can be roughly divided into two categories: (1) localisers which, for example, may be used to relate instrument and patient position to images in neurosurgical procedures; (2) telemanipulator devices. It is the latter with which this presentation is chiefly concerned. The research and development programme with which this work is concerned is aimed at establishing and quantifying the benefits of telesurgery in clinical practice, and determining the appropriate technical standards and guidelines.