Designing a Robotic Surgical Device
Students create and test prototype devices designed to remotely maneuver inside the abdominal cavity to collect data and samples.
Student teams create laparoscopic surgical robots designed to reduce the invasiveness of diagnosing endometriosis and investigate how the disease forms and spreads. Using a synthetic abdominal cavity simulator, students test and iterate their remotely controlled, camera-toting prototype devices, which must fit through small incisions, inspect the organs and tissue for disease, obtain biopsies, and monitor via ongoing wireless image-taking. Note: This activity is the core design project for a semester-long, three-credit high school engineering course. Refer to the associated curricular unit for preparatory lessons and activities.
Some engineers study anatomy, physiology and surgery so that they can work with laparoscopic surgeons to develop surgical procedures, equipment and tools. Most surgeons are not trained in mechanical design and product development, so they collaborate with engineers to create, design, test and manufacture new surgical tools. This partnership advances life-saving and life-enhancing technology. The student project described in this activity is based on research being conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder by engineers and surgeons (see the References and Other sections for more information).
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the steps of the engineering design process.
- Identify the components of a radio control transmitter and receiver and know how to use them.
- Explain what a biopsy is.
- Explain what endometriosis is and why a biopsy of the disease is necessary in some cases.
- Create and remotely control a small robot containing two or more actuators.