Field Operation of a Surgical Robot via Airborne Wireless Radio Link

Abstract

Abstract — Robotic assisted surgery generates the possibility of remote operation between surgeon and patient. We need better understanding of the engineering issues involved in operating a surgical robot in remote locations and through novel communication links between surgeon and surgery site. This paper describes two recent experiments in which we tested a new prototype surgical robot manipulation system in field and laboratory conditions. In the first experiment, we set up the robot in a remote pasture land and ran it on generator power. Telecommunication with the surgical control station was provided by a novel airborne radio link supported by an unmanned arial vehicle. In the second experiment, we teleoperated the robot over an Internet link between Imperial College London and our laboratory in Seattle. Data are reported on surgeon completion times for basic tasks and on network latency experience. The results are a small step towards teleoperated surgical robots which can be rapidly deployed in emergency situations in the field. I.