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Multichannel soft microfluidic force sensors: design, characterization, and application in laparoscopy.

Wael Othman1,2,3,4,5, Mohammad A Qasaimeh6,7,8,9,10

  • 1Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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|April 19, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed soft microfluidic force sensors for surgical graspers. These cost-effective sensors restore tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery by measuring forces applied to tissue and instruments.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Robotics

Background:

  • Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) often lacks tactile feedback, hindering surgical precision and safety.
  • Existing force sensors can be rigid, bulky, or expensive, limiting their integration into surgical tools.
  • Soft microfluidic sensors offer a promising alternative for flexible and sensitive force detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design, fabricate, and characterize multichannel soft microfluidic force sensors for laparoscopic graspers.
  • To investigate design parameters influencing sensor sensitivity and performance.
  • To demonstrate the integration of these sensors into a laparoscopic grasper for tactile feedback restoration.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication using 3D printing and PDMS molding under cleanroom-free conditions.
  • Utilizing Galinstan-filled microchannels within PDMS structures to measure force via resistance changes.
  • Employing finite element simulations and experimental validation to optimize sensor design (microchannel geometry, thickness, stiffness).

Main Results:

  • Thinner, softer sensors with inverted stepped-triangle microchannels demonstrated the highest sensitivity.
  • Development of multilayer and coplanar multichannel designs enabled dual-range sensing with improved linearity and tunability.
  • Successful integration into a laparoscopic grasper, measuring both actuation and tissue contact forces.

Conclusions:

  • Soft microfluidic force sensors offer a cost-effective, scalable solution for enhancing tactile feedback in MIS.
  • The developed sensors show significant potential for improving surgical tool functionality and safety.
  • This technology paves the way for advanced soft-sensing systems in surgical robotics and human-machine interfaces.