Abstract: Automated systems and methods for creating a plan for performing a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) are provided. In some embodiments, the plan is generated automatically by a processor. A user interface may be configured to allow a user to input one or more of the parameters of the plan. In certain embodiments, the hair transplantation plan takes into consideration existing hair.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for removing hair from a body surface is provided. The methods and systems are semi- or fully automated. Some of the steps of the methods comprise determining a hair growth phase and selecting hair follicles for depilation based at least in part of the identified hair growth phase. The energy delivery device may be attached to the robotic arm and directed to align with the hair follicle to be depilated.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for creating a plan for performing a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) are provided. In some embodiments, the plan is generated automatically by a processor. A user interface may be configured to allow a user to input one or more of the parameters of the plan. In certain embodiments, the hair transplantation plan takes into consideration existing hair.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for operating a procedure tool to perform a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) on a body are provided. One or more mechanisms are configured to produce a combination movement of the procedure tool in response to control signals. A force sensor monitors resistance as the tool moves and transmits information from the force sensor to a computer. Movement of the procedure tool is controlled at least in part based on information from the force sensor.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for removing hair from a body surface is provided. The methods and systems are semi- or fully automated. Some of the steps of the methods comprise determining a hair growth phase and selecting hair follicles for depilation based at least in part of the identified hair growth phase. The energy delivery device may be attached to the robotic arm and directed to align with the hair follicle to be depilated.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for operating a procedure tool to perform a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) on a body are provided. One or more mechanisms are configured to produce a combination movement of the procedure tool in response to control signals. A force sensor monitors resistance as the tool moves and transmits information from the force sensor to a computer. Movement of the procedure tool is controlled at least in part based on information from the force sensor.

Abstract: A robotic tattoo application and tattoo removal methods and systems are described. This technology involves the use of a robotic system guided by control of a graphics capable computer in order to perform various types, including artistic, recreational, cosmetic, or therapeutic tattooing, or tattoo removal.

Abstract: An automated system for harvesting or implanting follicular units, including a moveable arm; a harvesting and/or implantation tool mounted on the moveable arm; one or more cameras mounted on the moveable arm; a processor configured to receive and process images acquired by the one or more cameras; and a controller operatively associated with the processor and configured to position the moveable arm based, at least in part, on processed images acquired by the one or more cameras, wherein the moveable arm is positionable such that the tool may be positioned at a desired orientation relative to an adjacent body surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning a tool positioned on a moveable arm with a location or an object of interest on a body surface. Some methods comprise using one or more cameras and identifying position offsets of the location or the object of interest from the one or more cameras. Some methods comprise using at least two cameras and rectifying the images from the first and the second cameras. A variety of different tools and assemblies may be located on the moveable arm for performing various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that take advantage of the ability of the moveable arm to rapidly and precisely position the respective tool or assembly at desired locations on a skin.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.

Abstract: A robotic tattoo application and tattoo removal methods and systems are described. This technology involves the use of a robotic system guided by control of a graphics capable computer in order to perform various types, including artistic, recreational, cosmetic, or therapeutic tattooing, or tattoo removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides video and audio assisted surgical techniques and methods. Novel features of the techniques and methods provided by the present invention include presenting a surgeon with a video compilation that displays an endoscopic-camera derived image, a reconstructed view of the surgical field (including fiducial markers indicative of anatomical locations on or in the patient), and/or a real-time video image of the patient. The real-time image can be obtained either with the video camera that is part of the image localized endoscope or with an image localized video camera without an endoscope, or both. In certain other embodiments, the methods of the present invention include the use of anatomical atlases related to pre-operative generated images derived from three-dimensional reconstructed CT, MRI, x-ray, or fluoroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel forceps for use in suturing. The forceps include a pulley or pulley-like feature that provides an advantageous mechanism for putting tension on a suture. In certain embodiments, the pulley or pulley-like device can measure or set the tension applied to a suture. Use of the forceps is especially advantageous in endoscopic or robot assisted surgeries.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A computer-based system generating audible feedback to assist with guidance of at least one trackable point in space is provided. Surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback (to supplement visual and tactile feedback) to a surgeon moving the tip of a probe, for example, in a surgical field with respect to a volume of interest such as a tumor. Other surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback to assist with the precise insertion of a pedicle screw. In such surgical embodiments, as a surgeon moves a probe or instrument within the surgical field, a computer analyzes the current position of the probe and/or instrument in space with respect to a system of fiducial markers.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a stereotactic robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle introducer associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.