MASA is a small robot arm that allows surgeons to access more of the human body. We improve upon traditional instruments by increasing the range of motion on robot arm end-effectors, using novel systems involving gravity-neutrality and grounded motors. Surgeons working with MASA can then circumvent in-body obstacles and avoid tool interference often present in single-incision surgery. Through this, MASA hopes to be the next step to improving accessibility in robotic surgery.
Todayโs single incision laparoscopic surgery procedures utilize stiff cannulas to perform surgery. This incredible, minimally invasive medical innovation is currently attained by the likes of surgical robot corporate giant Intuitive's daVinci Single Site technology. However, there are still limitations to the robots operation; MASA addresses the accessibility limitations of the cannulae that facilitate the end effectors by increasing the reach and degrees of freedom. The aim is to eliminate the rigidity that cannulae present in single incision laparoscopy robot arms.