Continuum Robots

Concentric tube robots have a large number of design variables, which is often reduced in order for design optimization problems to be tractable by gradient-free approaches. However, this reduces the design space of the robots, which can lead to sub-optimal results.

The particular architecture of concentric tube robots leads to lateral motions of their bodis while their tips are controlled. Such behavior can be undesired for deployment in constrained areas. In order to overcome this challenge, we worked on the follow-the-leader deployment of those robots, during which the robot body follows the path taken by its tip.

The standard-of-care involves a range of affordable, manual, hand-held rigid tools, with limited dexterity. In contrast, roboticized tools with increased accessibility and dexterity are usually larger, heavier, grounded devices that are teleoperated, posing a new set of challenges.

The planning of continuum robots is generally based on the patient’s anatomy using pre-operative images. However, their practical deployment can be challenging. Open-loop approaches are prone to errors due to modeling accuracy or physiological motions of the patient during the procedure, and human-in-the-loop approaches require specific skills from the surgeon.

The ability to sense forces is a critical component for ensuring that robots can safely interact with their environment. Yet there are numerous situations, in particular for medical applications, where environmental and sensor density requirements can pose challenges to sensor design.