A robot equipped with tiny, tentacle*-like instruments could soon be used to perform surgery on human eyes. Researchers say the device has potential to revolutionize medical procedures, providing a more accurate, minimally invasive* way to carry out surgeries.

    Cambridge Consultants has now unveiled its prototype Axsis robot, revealing a glimpse at how the delicate instrument could perform one of the world’s most common procedures — cataract* surgery.

    Axsis uses flexible robotic arms, each just 1.8 millimeters in diameter. Its movements are controlled by cables roughly the width of a human hair, but stronger than fiber and steel.

    To operate the system, a surgeon uses two haptic* joysticks, which provide instant feedback to the user, according to a video on the technology. And, it’s equipped with sensing algorithms* to minimize the risk of human error.

    Chris Wagner, head of advanced surgical systems at Cambridge Consultants, explained: “Cataract surgery is the world’s most common surgery, yet there are still critical complications* that can result due to the small size and delicate nature of the eye, and the experience and skill of the surgeon. This is where the traditional benefits of robotics — such as motion scaling* and minimally invasive access — can help.”(SD-Agencies)