After taking over industry, robots are now conquering the medical sciences. The advantages are obvious: absence of fatigue, maximum precision and speed, optimum ergonomics. Robotic systems are now used in a number of surgical applications, such as in orthopedics, neurology and cardiothoracic procedures.

Medical technology relies on FAULHABER for robot-supported procedures: drive systems are used in implantable heart pumps, surgical hand tools, in ophthalmology and in medical imaging and image processing.

The team prepares the patient for the operation, but the first incision is performed not by a doctor, but by a robot. The surgeon sits focused in front of a surgical console and uses the joysticks to control the robot arms that are used for the procedure performed at the operating room table. Even after a 24-hour shift, the robot cuts absolutely precisely and smoothly. The camera, which is important above all for minimally invasive operations, provides optimally prepared images absolutely free of vibrations.

Source: FAULHABERSource: FAULHABER

On the 3D monitor, the doctor can see exactly what is happening in the patient's abdomen. Instead of the conventional 2D view, which is often very limited, every detail can be observed on the 3D monitor. In addition, the slim, high-tech arms offer considerably more freedom of movement when cutting repairing or suturing compared to standard procedures. Because the body of the patient is precisely measured prior to every operation, the computer can create a 3D image of the surgical area. By converting the entries made by the surgeon on the PC, incisions in the range of a tenth of a millimeter are possible, something that simply cannot be achieved purely by hand. With the help of a computer, the robot is able to check at all times whether the doctor is operating where it is necessary. In case of doubt, the system can stop the doctor and thereby prevent potential medical errors.

Medical technology with drive

An anesthetist closely monitors the vital functions, relying on FAULHABER for the artificial ventilation. Operating in the turbine unit of the ventilator that is integrated in the anesthesia system is a brushless, high-speed DC-micromotor with a diameter of just 24 mm. Not only is the motor extremely fast and quiet over the entire speed range but also extremely dynamic. This enables very natural ventilation. In addition, the turbine-based ventilation allows the patients to breathe freely (spontaneous breathing) at all times.

Because robot-supported operations are being performed in an increasing number of disciplines, the need for drive systems is growing as well, such as for the positioning of robot arms. Highly dynamic systems that deliver the full speed in the shortest possible time are needed here. Thanks to their ironless winding technology and flat speed-torque curves, FAULHABER Drive Systems have all the necessary properties, such as exact positioning and speed control. High-performance motor families such as the FAULHABER BX4 or BP4 and the new BXT series, complemented by the extensive range of gearheads, optical, magnetic or absolute encoders as well as speed and motion controllers, are ideally suited for demanding robotics applications not only in medicine but in many other areas as well.

Surgeries can be made safer through the use of robots. And FAULHABER will play an important role — outside and inside the patient.

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