Abstract: Robotic system and method for positioning an energy applicator extending from a surgical instrument. The robotic system includes a surgical manipulator operable in a manual mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The surgical manipulator moves the energy applicator along a tool path in the semi-autonomous mode and reorients the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging objects in an operating room in preparation for a surgical procedure. The objects are arranged based on surgical procedure information provided to a guidance station. The surgical procedure information dictates the desired placement of the objects. Placement of the objects is then guided according to their desired placement using one or more tracking elements.

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 surgical tool system for fitting an implant to a patient. The system includes a handpiece that is used to fit the implant. The handpiece is capable of reading data from a memory integral with the implant. The system includes a surgical navigation system capable of monitoring the position of the handpiece relative to the patient. Based on the data read by the handpiece from the memory of the implantable device and the data regarding the position of the implant the navigation system presents information regarding the procedure. This information includes data regarding the position of the implant relative to the patient or textual information based on the type of implantable device. If the implant is being improperly position, the surgical navigation system presents a warning or inhibits actuation of the handpiece.

Abstract: A system for providing substantially stable control of a surgical instrument is provided. The system includes a surgical manipulator for manipulating the surgical instrument and at least one computer configured to identify a first subset and a second subset of interaction geometric primitives associated with a virtual tool; determine, based on the first subset, control forces in a first subspace; and determine based on the second subset, control forces in a second subspace having at least one additional dimension. Control forces in the additional dimension are only determined based on the second subset of primitives, which is different than the first subset of primitives. The computer is further configured to determine a torque to constrain an orientation of the surgical instrument, wherein determining the torque comprises defining a virtual tool normal and a control plane normal and using the virtual tool normal and control plane normal to calculate the torque.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system and method for controlling an instrument feed rate. The surgical robotic system comprises a surgical manipulator for manipulating a surgical instrument and an energy applicator extending from the surgical instrument. At least one controller includes a feed rate calculator configured to calculate the instrument feed rate. A hand held pendant is operable by a user to adjust a defined feed rate of the surgical manipulator in the semi-autonomous mode.

Abstract: Robotic system and method for positioning an energy applicator extending from a surgical instrument. The robotic system includes a surgical manipulator operable in a manual mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The surgical manipulator moves the energy applicator along a tool path in the semi-autonomous mode, monitors output of a force/torque sensor as the energy applicator moves along the tool path, and reorients the surgical instrument based on the output in response to a user applying reorienting forces and torques to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and tracking virtual boundaries. The virtual boundaries can delineate zones in which an instrument is not permitted during a surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also delineate zones in which the surgical instrument is permitted during the surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also identify objects or structures to be treated by the instrument or to be avoided by the instrument during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging objects in an operating room in preparation for a surgical procedure. The objects are arranged based on surgical procedure information provided to a guidance station. The surgical procedure information dictates the desired placement of the objects. Placement of the objects is then guided according to their desired placement using one or more tracking elements.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods used to track objects moving in space. One navigation system and method employs trackers having light emitters for indicating when line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors is obstructed or for other errors. Another navigation system and method instructs users on how to place a tracker with respect to an object to reduce line-of-sight issues during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and tracking virtual boundaries. The virtual boundaries can delineate zones in which an instrument is not permitted during a surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also delineate zones in which the surgical instrument is permitted during the surgical procedure. The virtual boundaries can also identify objects or structures to be treated by the instrument or to be avoided by the instrument during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for relating additional spatial information associated with one volume data set of an anatomical structure with another volume data set of the anatomical structure where the spatial information is not available. A unique spatial characteristic of the volume data set is identified, such as an image moment of inertia, and an arbitrary reference frame is assigned to the volume data set and correlated with the unique spatial characteristic. The additional spatial information is also correlated with the arbitrary reference frame. The additional spatial information is then correlated to a second volume data set of the anatomical structure by registering the first and second volume data sets based on the unique spatial characteristic. The methods and systems allow registration of different volume data sets of the same anatomical structure and transfer of the additional spatial information without establishing a local reference frame based on predefined landmarks.

Abstract: A surgical manipulator for manipulating a surgical instrument and an energy applicator extending from the surgical instrument. The surgical manipulator further includes at least one controller configured to operate the surgical manipulator in a manual mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The at least one controller including a feed rate calculator configured to calculate an instrument feed rate. The instrument feed rate is a velocity at which a distal end of the energy applicator advances along a path segment of a tool path in the semi-autonomous mode.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods used to track objects moving in space. One navigation system and method employs trackers having light emitters for indicating when line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors is obstructed or for other errors. Another navigation system and method instructs users on how to place a tracker with respect to an object to reduce line-of-sight issues during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A manipulator is provided that supports a surgical tool used in a surgical procedure. The manipulator includes a plurality of links and joints and a controller that evaluates an actual joint angle of each joint relative to one or more joint boundary angles for each joint. The controller computes forces and torques to apply to a virtual rigid body based on the evaluation. The controller then determines a commanded joint angle for each joint based on the computed forces and torques so that actuators move the surgical tool to a commanded pose associated with the commanded joint angles.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods for controlling a tool to remove material from a workpiece. Workpieces such as bones are often non-homogenous and have varying density distributions throughout their volumes. In some embodiments, the systems and methods control the feed rate of the tool, the tool path of the tool, and the rotational speed of the tool based on the density distribution in order to provide a desired outcome for a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A plate for attaching to an anatomic structure. The plate comprises a top surface opposite a bottom surface. An opening through the top and bottom surfaces is configured to receive a fastener to attach the plate to the anatomic structure. The plate comprises spikes configured to penetrate the anatomic structure. With the fastener, the spikes prevent rotational movement of the body relative to the anatomic structure. The bottom surface is concave between the spikes and defines a space configured to accommodate portions of the anatomic structure. Bone pad surfaces are configured to prevent further penetration of the spikes into the anatomic structure when in contact the same. A tracking device for a surgical navigational system can comprise a tracking head coupled to the plate with a mounting arm. The plate, when attached to the anatomic structure, prevents movement of the tracking device relative to the anatomic structure.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods of demonstrating planned autonomous manipulation of an anatomy by a tool of a robotic surgical system include generating manipulation parameters representing planned constraints on autonomous manipulation of a volume of the anatomy by the tool in a first mode and generating demonstrative parameters relating to the manipulation parameters and defined in relation to a surface of the anatomy. The demonstrative parameters are less invasive to the anatomy than the manipulation parameters. The tool is moved in accordance with the demonstrative parameters in a second mode thereby demonstrating planned constraints on autonomous manipulation of the anatomy in relation to the surface of the anatomy.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for manipulating an anatomy with a tool include defining a first virtual boundary associated with the anatomy and a second virtual boundary associated with the anatomy. The first virtual boundary is activated in a first mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the first virtual boundary in the first mode. The first virtual boundary is deactivated in a second mode. Movement of the tool is constrained in relation to the second virtual boundary in the second mode.

Abstract: A navigation system for use with a surgical manipulator operable in manual or semi-autonomous modes and a method for removing a volume of tissue from a patient. The navigation system includes a tracker for attaching to the patient and a localizer to receive signals from the tracker or transmit signals to the tracker. The navigation system includes a navigation processor that runs a plurality of software modules.