Miniature Surgical Robot Performs Simulated Surgeries in Space
In a groundbreaking development, a miniature surgical robot called the miniaturized in vivo robotic assistant (MIRA) has been sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to perform simulated surgeries. This uncrewed cargo shipment, unlike the usual supplies and experiments, includes a device that could revolutionize the field of surgery.
The MIRA, weighing only two pounds, was launched into orbit on January 30 and arrived at the space station on February 1. Developed by Shane Farritor, an engineering professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and his colleagues at start-up Virtual Incision, this innovative robot aims to make surgery more accessible in hard-to-reach areas such as battlefields.
Equipped with two robotic arms, a camera, and remote technology, the MIRA is designed to allow surgeons to conduct procedures remotely. By enabling surgeons to remotely instruct the device to perform tasks like dissection and manipulation of small objects, this miniature robot has the potential to revolutionize surgical practices.
The MIRA was first produced in Nebraska before being taken to the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama for extensive testing by NASA engineers. This space-ready version of the robot is not only intended for use in space but also for earthbound surgeries. It can perform both preprogrammed tasks and long-distance remote surgeries.
The upcoming experiments will be conducted by a surgeon based in Lincoln, Nebraska, who will remotely guide the MIRA in performing a simulated dissection and manipulating small objects. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln explains that during the experiments, the robot will use its left arm to grasp and its right arm to cut, mimicking the actions of a human surgeon in a hospital operating room.
The surgical experiments are scheduled to take place during the second week of February. The purpose of these experiments is to test the impact of a zero-gravity environment on simulated surgical tasks. While the results of the simulated surgery won’t be made public until after the robot returns to Earth, researchers believe that this experiment will advance the potential of remote surgeries both in space and on the surface.
The potential impact of the MIRA is significant, especially considering the projected shortage of surgical specialists in the United States. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortage of up to 30,200 surgical specialists by 2034. By enabling remote surgeries, this miniature surgical robot could help bridge the gap and ensure that patients in hard-to-reach areas receive the necessary medical care.
The successful execution of simulated surgeries in space using the MIRA could pave the way for future advancements in surgical technology and expand the possibilities of remote surgeries. As we look to the future, it is clear that innovation and collaboration between engineering and medical fields will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare.