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Systems have been developed to increase the sense of touch when surgeons have trouble feeling resistance as they operate.
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Technology Microsurgery is difficult for many reasons, one of which is that surgeons have trouble feeling resistance as they operate. To alleviate this problem, systems have been developed to increase the sense of touch. Currently available robotic systems are very large, complicated and have problems with lag, overshooting a target, and stability. Investigators at the University of Pittsburgh have miniaturized this robot into a small device that is held in the hand and upper arm allowing for an easier to operate, less complicated system. The magnified forces which increase the sensitivity of touch are generated by electromechanical actuators between the tool’s handle and mechanical contacts on other parts of the hand or arm.