Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a control-component tool that includes a handle and an input-receiving component disposed on the handle. The input-receiving component includes one or more light sources disposed on a first radial wall, one or more light detectors disposed on a second radial wall that faces the first radial wall, and a deformable sleeve extending axially between the first and second radial walls and configured to attenuate light that is directed from the one or more light sources toward the one or more light detectors, in response to being pressed. A computer processor receives a signal from the one or more light detectors that is indicative of the light attenuation and controls a surgical tool in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing a procedure on a portion of a body of a patient using a surgical tool. A computer processor drives a display to show an image that includes a representation of the surgical tool. In response to a control-component tool being at least partially aligned with the representation of the surgical tool within the image upon the display, the computer processor engages the control-component tool with the surgical tool, such that the tip of the surgical tool is moved within the patient's eye in a manner that corresponds with movement of the location and orientation of the tip of the control-component tool. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic maneuvering system for maneuvering objects by means of an adhesive attachment. The robotic maneuvering system comprises a gripper finger connected to a gripper arm. The gripper finger is configured to grasp an object to be manipulated, by means of an adhesive contact. The gripper arm maneuvers the object to a desired location and the gripper finger releases the object at the desired location. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A system for performing robotic surgery at a surgical site on a patient includes a control tool configured for manipulation by an operator, one or more displays, and a processor configured to cause a robotic arm, which holds a surgical tool, to manipulate the surgical tool correspondingly to the manipulation of the control tool, such that the operator controls the surgical tool via the control tool, to cause the displays to display a real-time video of the surgical site, in which the surgical site is magnified, to the operator while the operator controls the surgical tool, and to cause the displays to display at least one three-dimensional (3D) image of the surgical site, in which the surgical site is shown with less magnification relative to the video. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing robotic microsurgery on a patient's body. Two or more tools (21) each include a mount-engagement portion (32) that defines a front recess (82) and a rear recess (84). A tool mount (34) defines a tool-receiving socket (86) securely holds the one or more tools. The tool-mount (34) includes a rear set of rollers (94) that are configured to be placed within the rear recess (84) and a front set of rollers (92) that are configured to be placed within the front recess (82). A tool-securement cover that is hingedly coupled to the tool-receiving socket (86) is configured to secure the tool (21) within the tool-receiving socket (86). A motor (93) rolls the tool (21) with respect to the tool mount (34), while the tool (21) is securely held within the tool mount (34). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a robotic unit (20) that includes an end effector (35) and a tool mount (34) configured to securely hold tools (21). Robotic arms (120) rotate the tools through pitch and yaw rotations. An XYZ platform (110) moves the robotic unit (20) along X and Y directions within an XY plane, and along a Z direction that is perpendicular to the XY plane. The XYZ platform (110) includes a first slidable shutter (122) that is configured to cover an interior of the XYZ platform (110) by sliding along the X direction as the robotic unit (20) is moved along the X direction, and a second slidable shutter (123) that is configured to cover an interior of the XYZ platform (110) by sliding along the Y direction as the robotic unit (20) moved along the Y direction. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing a procedure on a portion of a patient's body. A robotic unit holds a tool at a given orientation with respect to the portion of the patient's body. A display displays a virtual tool overlaid upon the image of the portion of the patient's body, such that at least a portion of the virtual tool coincides with a corresponding portion of the tool. In response to an input from an operator indicating that the portion of the virtual tool should be moved in a given manner, the tool is driven to move such that the corresponding portion of the tool moves with respect to the portion of the patient's body in a corresponding manner to the movement of the portion of the virtual tool. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a robotic grasping hand having a central palm; a plurality of fingers connected to said palm, each of said fingers including a fingertip movable along a length of said fingers; wherein the fingers are placed on a common imaginary plane and are angularly displaceable thereon. The present disclosure relates to a corresponding system and method for activating the grasping hand.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing a procedure on a patient's eye. A robotic unit inserts an ophthalmic tool into the patient's eye via an incision in a cornea of the patient's eye. The location and the orientation of the tip of a control-component tool that is configured to be moved by an operator is determined, based upon data received from one or more location sensors that are disposed on a control-component arm that is coupled to the control-component tool, and the tip of the ophthalmic tool is moved within the patient's eye in a manner that corresponds with movement of the control-component tool. Force feedback is provided to the operator via the control-component arm. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing a procedure on a patient's eye. A robotic unit inserts an ophthalmic tool into the eye via an incision in the cornea, such that a tip of the ophthalmic tool is disposed within the eye and a remote center of motion location of the ophthalmic tool is disposed within the incision. The location and the orientation of the tip of a control-component tool are determined based upon data received from one or more location sensors, and the tip of the ophthalmic tool is moved within the eye in a manner that corresponds with movement of the control-component tool. Feedback is provided to an operator that is indicative of a disposition of the remote center of motion location of the ophthalmic tool relative to the incision. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic maneuvering system for maneuvering objects by means of an adhesive attachment. The robotic maneuvering system comprises a gripper finger connected to a gripper arm. The gripper finger is configured to grasp an object to be manipulated, by means of an adhesive contact. The gripper arm maneuvers the object to a desired location and the gripper finger releases the object at the desired location. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper system comprising fingers. The gripper fingers are connectable to a gripper arm. The gripper fingers comprise a roller configured to spin around its central axis or a ball element rotatable in any direction; a stopper configured to stop and/or prevent the spinning of the roller or ball. The present invention also relates to a method for grasping and displacing an object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripper system comprising fingers. The gripper fingers are connectable to a gripper arm. The gripper fingers comprise a roller configured to spin around its central axis or a ball element rotatable in any direction; a stopper configured to stop and/or prevent the spinning of the roller or ball. The present invention also relates to a method for grasping and displacing an object.