Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1449105
Molex 2022 7 Robots in medical procedures allow the surgeon to reach places that would have previously required invasive techniques and their associated hazards. To achieve this, the latest generation of medical robots must perform a range of tasks simultaneously. This integration of multiple modalities such as visualization and precise mechanical movements while providing tactile feedback to surgeons' hands drives the complexity of medical robotics. The challenge of providing visualization, precision movement, and tactile feedback to facilitate the surgical procedure, all within minimally invasive instruments and tools, means that systems are under increasing pressure to provide more sophistication in smaller packages. Medical robots need to perform all these tasks, and they must also possess features that include low latency and high reliability. The surgeon operating the robot needs to be able to see and act immediately, and the robot needs to afford great visualization and speed. Delivered by Light One of the most exciting aspects of this latest generation of robots is the use of optical technology. Fiber has long been used in the telecommunications industry due to its ability to carry large amounts of data over long distances. In the medical environment, fiber is being used in different ways. Its small diameter is ideal for employment in minimally-invasive surgery, and its unique properties allow it to be used to provide surgeons with high-resolution, real-time visualization. In addition, new sources of energy are being used to deliver treatment to highly localized areas without damaging the surrounding tissue. One of these techniques is laser therapy, which can be applied with remarkable precision using optical fiber. Elsewhere in the robot, large numbers of sensors are collecting data about everything from the positioning of the device to the resistance being encountered. Data collection is incredibly vital, as surgeons depend on the information provided by the sensors to give the "feel" or "touch" of the instrument. The use of haptic controls provides the surgeons with the feedback they need while conducting delicate operations. Therefore, the modern surgical robot is a complex, autonomous device that can serve as an extension of the surgeon's own hands. Far from replacing these professionals with decades of experience, these highly sophisticated machines enable the best surgeons to deliver minimally-invasive care and facilitate faster recovery for patients. Learn More Expresslink 2.0 Pico-Clasp Data Cables Learn More Mini-Fit Sigma Connectors The Complexity of Connections This sophistication comes at a cost, however. Combining complex functionality into a single machine—with optimal levels of visualization, precision movement, and tactile feedback—requires complex electronics systems, and designers are under pressure to deliver the best possible performance in the smallest possible package. This complexity of connections becomes even more significant when the time comes to connect the robot to the outside world. The growing complexity of surgical robots, coupled with the broad range of tasks they need to perform, is creating challenges for interconnect designers. The extensive use of microelectronics and multiple operating modes bring with them the need for higher connector densities and mixed contact types. With the need to incorporate power, signal, high voltage, and even optical fiber, engineers require connector solutions that are adaptable and reliable. Molex has a comprehensive range of connectors that have been designed specifically for use in the medical industry. Its dedicated family of configurable connectors and cable assemblies are instrumental in providing the hybrid connectivity demanded by medical robots. n