Review of robotic surgery platforms and end effectors

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Robotics Engineering
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• The past 50 years have seen extensive growth in companies developing automated surgical devices.
• Increasing public confidence in technology and expiring patents are fostering new surgical robotics development.
• The surgical robotics sector is experiencing rapid expansion and innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of prominent companies manufacturing surgical robots.
• To describe the advantages and limitations of various surgical robot manufacturers.
• To highlight the critical role of end effector design in surgical robotics.

Main Methods:

• Review of leading companies in the surgical robotics market.
• Analysis of company product offerings, focusing on end effector capabilities.
• Discussion of the geographical distribution of key industry players (primarily America and Europe).

Main Results:

• A selection of major surgical robot manufacturers, primarily from America and Europe, are presented.
• Key features, advantages, and limitations of selected companies' robotic systems are detailed.
• The importance of end effector dexterity and shape for successful surgical procedures is emphasized.

Conclusions:

• Surgical robotics technology is continuously evolving, with new robots and expanded applications emerging annually.
• Robotic systems enhance surgeon capabilities across diverse specialties including urology, gynecology, neurology, and orthopedic surgery.
• The review underscores the growing impact and sophistication of robotic assistance in modern surgery.