Surgical robots combine perception, decision making, and execution to perform precise operations. Their main equipment and components fall into four categories.
1. Console (operator console)
The surgeon controls the robot remotely from the console. Main equipment includes:
High-definition monitor: provides a 3D surgical view magnified 10 to 15 times, with multi-angle observation.
Hand controllers: use force feedback. The surgeon controls arm movement through the handles. Some systems support 6 to 7 degrees of freedom.
Foot pedals: switch arm functions such as electrocautery and irrigation, or adjust the view angle.
Vision system: integrates stereo cameras or an endoscope and sends high-definition images to the monitor in real time.
2. Arm system
The arm system performs the operation. It has two parts.
Bedside arms
Usually 3 to 5 freely moving arms. Some systems, such as the Da Vinci surgical robot, use EndoWrist technology for 7 degrees of freedom and mimic human wrist joint movement.
The arm end integrates force and torque sensors that can sense contact force at the 0.1 N level to support safe operation.
End effectors
Equipped with instruments with 4 or more degrees of freedom, such as graspers, electrosurgical knives, and suture needles. They support rotation, opening and closing, cutting, and other fine motions.
Digestive endoscopy robots use an external flexible arm to extend the operating range to areas that traditional endoscopes have trouble reaching.
3. Imaging and navigation system
Imaging and navigation provide positioning and path planning.
3D imaging platform
Reconstructs 3D models from CT and MRI data. Magnification reaches 10 to 15 times. Resolution is better than 0.1 mm.
Supports multimodal image fusion, such as CT and ultrasound, and updates the anatomy of the surgical area in real time.
Navigation and positioning
Orthopedic surgical robots such as PL300B integrate an optical tracking system. Infrared markers provide sub-millimeter positioning accuracy.
AI algorithms can plan the optimal surgical path automatically and reduce intraoperative adjustments.
4. Auxiliary equipment
Auxiliary equipment keeps the procedure stable and safe.
Electronic control unit and drive
Uses servo motors with harmonic reducers to achieve millimeter-level motion control of the arm.
Redundant design prevents a single point of failure from affecting the whole operation. Some systems support power-off self-locking.
Disposable consumables
Include tissue forceps and ultrasonic blades matched to the arm. They connect to the robot through sterile interfaces.
Consumables are designed for biocompatibility to avoid tissue adhesion or thermal damage during surgery.
Force and torque sensors
Embedded in the arm end or effector. They monitor contact force in real time and send feedback to the console.
When force exceeds a safety threshold, the system automatically stops the arm or triggers retraction.
Component extensions for special scenarios
Different surgical robots adjust component configuration by application.
Laparoscopic surgical robot: adds an insufflator interface and smoke filtration system to improve the intracavitary operating environment.
Orthopedic surgical robot: integrates preoperative planning software and an optical tracking cart. For example, PL300B uses a dual-cart design to combine planning, navigation, and execution.
Panvascular interventional robot: equips a high-pressure injector and catheter guide device to support precise delivery of 0.014-inch microwires.
Surgical robot component design centers on precision, safety, and efficiency. Multiple modules work together to close the loop from preoperative planning to intraoperative execution.
For surgical robot developers, Hansheng Automation can manufacture harmonic drives, planetary gears, and other precision joint components from customer drawings. Single-piece and small-batch orders are supported.
