Robotic Applications: Medical

(See Wikipedia: Robotic Surgery )

da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical)
Surgeons utilize a computer console and video monitor to control a the 3 robotic arms, one carrying a pair of miniature cameras to produce a 3D image of inside the patient’s body, which the surgeon views on the monitor, and the other two which perform the operation through tiny incisions only eight millimetres across. The system can currently be operated from a maximum distance of about 300 kilometres over a wired connection or 35 km via wireless connection.

Senseiā„¢ Robotic Catheter System (Hansen Medical)
Designed to enable catheter navigation in a variety of interventional procedures -allows physician to remotely control the catheter while being shielded from unnecessary radiation exposure.

ROBODOCĀ® Surgical System (Integrated Surgical Systems - RDOC)
System for use in total hip and knee replacement. The system is designed to shape the cavity for fit and positioning of implants. (Not approved for use in US. Company agreed to sale of assets to Novatrix in Oct. 2006)