JPL's Hari Das Peers Through a Robot-Assisted Microsurgery (RAMS) Workstation

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Robotic Microsurgery

This development built on prior work in teleoperations and telerobotics first developed for the space program. JPL formed a Technology Cooperative Agreement with MicroDexterity Systems (MDS) Inc. to develop a robotic microsurgery device with important implications for such delicate surgeries as eye and brain. The device uses computer compensated motion control to dramatically reduce the effects of operator muscle tremor.

The Robot-Assisted Microsurgery (RAMS) workstation enables new procedures for the brain, eye, ear, nose, throat, face, and hand, and is being designed in cooperation with leading micro-surgeons. The resulting technology developments have been evaluated in actual clinical procedures, and are being commercialized through a cooperative NASA industry venture with MicroDexterity Systems (MDS). JPL developed and demonstrated a proof-of-concept system; MDS provided JPL with user requirements and will performed clinical tests.