Abstract: Robotic surgical systems and methods for controlling movement of a tool relative to a tool path. An input is received from a force/torque sensor in response to user forces/torques manually applied to the tool by a user. A component of force is calculated tangential to the path based on the input. An effective feed rate is calculated to advance the tool along the path based on the tangential component. Virtual constraints are defined on movement of the tool along the path with respect to three degrees of freedom and based on the effective feed rate to promote movement of the tool along the path. Dynamics of the tool are virtually simulated based on the virtual constraints and the input from the force/torque sensor. The manipulator is commanded to advance the tool along the path based on the virtual simulation.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprises a surgical tool, a manipulator configured to support the surgical tool, a force/torque sensor to measure forces and torques applied to the surgical tool, and a control system. The control system obtains a three-dimensional milling path for the surgical tool. The control system also receives one or more signals from the force/torque sensor in response to a user manually applying user forces and torques to the surgical tool. The control system determines a commanded pose to which to command the manipulator to advance the surgical tool along the milling path based on a tangential component of the user forces and torques, based on a virtual simulation using virtual constraints, and/or based on other suitable factors to promote guided, manual movement of the surgical tool along the milling path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing tracking an object in a surgical workspace. A tracker is disposed relative to the object that includes a predefined geometry of markers for tracking a pose of the tracker in the surgical workspace. A localizer camera cooperates with the tracker to generate image data indicating a blob for each of the markers generated from a light signal received from the marker. A characteristic of each blob is acquired, and the acquired characteristics are compared to an optimal characteristic. Based on the comparison, the operation of the trackers, the localizer, or both are adjusted to optimize the blobs generated from the markers.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with one or more tracking elements of a surgical system. The assembly includes a camera unit including a casing and a plurality of optical sensors supported by the casing for detecting the one or more tracking elements. The casing includes a base and a post extending from the base. The assembly also includes a drape having a flexible section for draping over the post of the casing to cover the casing and the optical sensors. The assembly also includes a collar to fit over the post to trap the flexible section of the drape between the collar and the post.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with tracking elements of a surgical system includes a camera unit and a drape covering the camera unit. The camera unit includes a casing presenting a face for facing the tracking elements. Optical sensors are supported by the casing and are exposed through the casing for detecting the tracking elements. The drape covers the camera unit such that light signals from the tracking elements can be received by the optical sensors.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprises a surgical tool, a manipulator configured to support the surgical tool, a force/torque sensor to measure forces and torques applied to the surgical tool, and a control system. The control system obtains a three-dimensional milling path for the surgical tool. The control system also receives one or more signals from the force/torque sensor in response to a user manually applying user forces and torques to the surgical tool. The control system determines a commanded pose to which to command the manipulator to advance the surgical tool along the milling path based on a tangential component of the user forces and torques, based on a virtual simulation using virtual constraints, and/or based on other suitable factors to promote guided, manual movement of the surgical tool along the milling path.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with tracking elements of a surgical system includes a camera unit and a drape covering the camera unit. The camera unit includes a casing presenting a face for facing the tracking elements. Optical sensors are supported by the casing and are exposed through the casing for detecting the tracking elements. The drape covers the camera unit such that light signals from the tracking elements can be received by the optical sensors.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with tracking elements of a surgical system includes a camera unit and a drape covering the camera unit. The camera unit includes a casing presenting a face for facing the tracking elements. Optical sensors are supported by the casing and are exposed through the casing for detecting the tracking elements. The drape covers the camera unit such that light signals from the tracking elements can be received by the optical sensors.

Abstract: A camera and drape assembly for use with tracking elements of a surgical system includes a camera unit and a drape covering the camera unit. The camera unit includes a casing presenting a face for facing the tracking elements. Optical sensors are supported by the casing and are exposed through the casing for detecting the tracking elements. The drape covers the camera unit such that light signals from the tracking elements can be received by the optical sensors.