Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR)

2022: Performing laparoscopy without human assistance

In early February 2022, developed by a group of researchers from Johns Hopkins University robot surgeon Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) conducted laparoscopic surgery on the soft tissues of a pig without human participation.

Our results suggest that we can automate one of the most complex and delicate tasks in surgery: reconnecting the two ends of the intestine. STAR performed surgery on four animals, the results were significantly better than when people performed a similar procedure, said researcher Axel Krieger.

For the first time, a robot surgeon performed laparoscopy without human help

The STAR robot succeeded in intestinal anastomosis, a procedure that requires a high level of accuracy in repetitive movements. Connecting the two ends of the intestine is one of the most difficult steps in gastrointestinal surgery, requiring the surgeon to apply sutures with high precision and consistency. Even the slightest shaking of the hands or an improperly applied suture can lead to a lack of necessary integrity, which can have catastrophic consequences for the patient.

The team of researchers equipped STAR with new features to improve autonomy and surgical accuracy, including specialized suturing tools and state-of-the-art imaging systems that enable more accurate visualization of the operating field.

What makes STAR special is that it is the first robotic system to plan, adapt and execute a surgical plan in soft tissues with minimal human intervention, said researcher Hamed Saidi.

The STAR direction of action is provided by working together with a three-dimensional endoscope based on structural light and a tracking algorithm based on machine learning.^[1]

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