Despite costing $1.5 million per unit, the Da Vinci robotic system is turning heads in hospitals across America. The addition of robotic systems in operating rooms promises more precise surgeries, less damage to the surrounding tissues, smaller incisions, less blood loss, less risk of surgeon fatigue and quicker recovery times. While intelligent robots are far from executing their own surgeries, using autonomous robots and robotic arms as assistants is revolutionizing medical science.
The Da Vinci Surgical System is a groundbreaking innovation that's garnered much attention by media and surgeons alike over the past decade. Ideally, these new robots will be used in delicate surgeries like heart valve/artery surgery, brain surgery and cancer removal. Telesurgical robotic systems consist of two components; one is a computerized tele-micromanipulator, the other a surgical unit containing three robotic arms.
At the start of the surgery, four keyhole-sized incisions are made as entry-points. Down one incision will be the endoscopic camera, which is attached to a fiber-optic cable. The remaining ports will carry tiny surgical tools, which rotate and maneuver using flexible robot wrists. The surgeon sits at a console, watching the 3-D images from the camera and making the necessary motions to perform the surgery, which the robotic system then mimics with much more precision and accuracy.
Supervisory-Controlled robotic systems work autonomously once they're programmed with set instructions by a trained surgeon. Surgeons then watch over the autonomous robots to make sure there are no surprises. RoboDoc, developed by Integrated Surgical Systems, is one of these Supervisory-Controlled systems, and it has been used in countless knee surgeries and hip replacement surgeries. Since 400,000 people require knee surgeries each year, this type of procedure can benefit a large number of patients by being far less painful and allowing for quicker recovery times.
Of course, there is always some room for error with robotic systems that require surgeon assistance. Since no two bodies are exactly alike, the surgeon must first map out the body to ensure the robot's course is accurate. Additionally, it is up to the surgeon to decide which surgical approach is best. The surgeon must also match the points mapped on the computer with the points on the body, position the robot at the proper starting position and then oversee the process from start to finish. While it's undoubtedly a complex procedure, its widespread use could have a revolutionary impact on the medical field.
Educate yourself further about the robotic systems from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon
วันศุกร์ที่ 6 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552
วันพุธที่ 4 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552
Taking a Look at the History of Robotic Technology
Robotic technology can be found in clocks, remote control vehicles, automobile computers, Aibo, factory robotic arms, self-guided rovers, service bots like ASIMO, robotic toys like AIBO or Robo-Raptor and a CNC milling machine. To be considered a "robot," the specimen must be able to interact with its environment and physically do something. Most recently, robots are being used in surgery, disaster recovery and firefighting.
Historically, ancient people believed in the existence of a humanoid robot species. The Greek god Hephaestus was thought to have created mechanical servants to help him build temples. Furthermore, the Jewish people thought that clay golems could come to life and the Norse believed that clay giants could awaken. In 4th Century BC, Greek mathematicians Archytas of Tarentum proposed that he could create a steam-powered bird known as "The Pigeon." Additionally, Hero of Alexandria (10-70 AD) devised automated machinery powered by air pressure and steam.
In 1088, Su Song developed the first clock tower that was built using mechanical figurines and audible chimes. In 1206, the first humanoid robot was created by Al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor who wished to entertain royal guests with automated musicians who played on a boat in a lake. Al-Jazari was already well-known for constructing everything from kitchen appliances and other astounding robotic machines.
There are many different ways to think about robotic technology. For instance, do we want an artificial being to look like a human or an unmistakable nuts-and-bolts prototype? Should they go to work at the plant or in our own homes? Should they think for themselves or be simply capable of pre-programmed simplified tasks?
There are "soft robots," which have silicone bodies and flexible actuators that behave almost human-like. There are "swarm robots" that behave like bees or ants, cooperating together to find something, clean, explore space or spy. "Haptic interface robots" allow users to interact with virtual simulation environments. Engineers are always coming up with new designs and uses for automation robotics.
Robotic technology is continually progressing. Early prototypes used steam, water or air, while new robotic prototypes use actuators, electric DC motors and air muscles. To study robotics engineering, interested students can attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is the only school that offers a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering.
Other schools have graduate programs based on robotics automation, including Carnegie Mellon University, MIT, UPENN and UCLA. To increase early interest in this field, programs like FIRST Robotics were devised to encourage students as young as six to look to math, science and technology fields for hobbies.
Educate yourself further about the robotic systems from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon
Historically, ancient people believed in the existence of a humanoid robot species. The Greek god Hephaestus was thought to have created mechanical servants to help him build temples. Furthermore, the Jewish people thought that clay golems could come to life and the Norse believed that clay giants could awaken. In 4th Century BC, Greek mathematicians Archytas of Tarentum proposed that he could create a steam-powered bird known as "The Pigeon." Additionally, Hero of Alexandria (10-70 AD) devised automated machinery powered by air pressure and steam.
In 1088, Su Song developed the first clock tower that was built using mechanical figurines and audible chimes. In 1206, the first humanoid robot was created by Al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor who wished to entertain royal guests with automated musicians who played on a boat in a lake. Al-Jazari was already well-known for constructing everything from kitchen appliances and other astounding robotic machines.
There are many different ways to think about robotic technology. For instance, do we want an artificial being to look like a human or an unmistakable nuts-and-bolts prototype? Should they go to work at the plant or in our own homes? Should they think for themselves or be simply capable of pre-programmed simplified tasks?
There are "soft robots," which have silicone bodies and flexible actuators that behave almost human-like. There are "swarm robots" that behave like bees or ants, cooperating together to find something, clean, explore space or spy. "Haptic interface robots" allow users to interact with virtual simulation environments. Engineers are always coming up with new designs and uses for automation robotics.
Robotic technology is continually progressing. Early prototypes used steam, water or air, while new robotic prototypes use actuators, electric DC motors and air muscles. To study robotics engineering, interested students can attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is the only school that offers a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering.
Other schools have graduate programs based on robotics automation, including Carnegie Mellon University, MIT, UPENN and UCLA. To increase early interest in this field, programs like FIRST Robotics were devised to encourage students as young as six to look to math, science and technology fields for hobbies.
Educate yourself further about the robotic systems from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon
วันจันทร์ที่ 2 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552
Using an Overlay Keyboard to Shortening the Learning Curve With New Programs
Learning a new program is always a challenge. There are so many new concepts and commands to learn. Most people typically learn and use around 20% of the functions that a program offers. As a result their projects conform to their limited skill set. The real power of the program and the outstanding results are left to others.
Software manufacturers try to overcome this problem by creating keyboard shortcuts to the most popular program functions. While this is helpful it does not solve the problem of the unused commands that are available. What would be helpful is a quick, easy and visual way to give access to the unused functions.
An overlay keyboard is one solution to this problem. Each key on an overlay keyboard can be configured to reproduce any sequence of keys available on a standard computer keyboard. A graphic overlay is then made to label the function that each key produces.
With an overlay keyboard new users have program functions available by pressing just one key. By configuring the overlay keyboard properly the software manufacture can introduce the new user to the little used but powerful features of their program. As a result new user will be more likely to experiment with these program features and be happier with the program.
Help features can easily be incorporated into the overlay keyboard. Each key on an overlay keyboard has a shift state associated with it. By configuring the shift state with the proper section of the help file new users can quickly find the help they require.
Experienced users will also benefit with quick access to the features they know and use. Instead of pressing multiple keys or mouse clicks features can be accessed by pressing one button.
The graphic overlay can be designed to use any button graphics that the program uses as the key label. This further integrates the overlay keyboard with the software as users can quickly find the key that is associated with the buttons they are use to clicking.
To view some configurations examples visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad/page70.html and to learn more about overlay keyboards in general visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad
Philip Kidder has worked with computers for over 35 years. He worked for the Defense Department as a programmer and system analyst. After leaving the government he has worked in computer sales owning his own store. Upon leaving the retail side he is currently a programmer and consultant to businesses. He also works with individuals helping them solve their computer problems. With his broad experience he truly joys is helping others solve their problems and make the computer less of a demon and more of a friend.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Kidder
Software manufacturers try to overcome this problem by creating keyboard shortcuts to the most popular program functions. While this is helpful it does not solve the problem of the unused commands that are available. What would be helpful is a quick, easy and visual way to give access to the unused functions.
An overlay keyboard is one solution to this problem. Each key on an overlay keyboard can be configured to reproduce any sequence of keys available on a standard computer keyboard. A graphic overlay is then made to label the function that each key produces.
With an overlay keyboard new users have program functions available by pressing just one key. By configuring the overlay keyboard properly the software manufacture can introduce the new user to the little used but powerful features of their program. As a result new user will be more likely to experiment with these program features and be happier with the program.
Help features can easily be incorporated into the overlay keyboard. Each key on an overlay keyboard has a shift state associated with it. By configuring the shift state with the proper section of the help file new users can quickly find the help they require.
Experienced users will also benefit with quick access to the features they know and use. Instead of pressing multiple keys or mouse clicks features can be accessed by pressing one button.
The graphic overlay can be designed to use any button graphics that the program uses as the key label. This further integrates the overlay keyboard with the software as users can quickly find the key that is associated with the buttons they are use to clicking.
To view some configurations examples visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad/page70.html and to learn more about overlay keyboards in general visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad
Philip Kidder has worked with computers for over 35 years. He worked for the Defense Department as a programmer and system analyst. After leaving the government he has worked in computer sales owning his own store. Upon leaving the retail side he is currently a programmer and consultant to businesses. He also works with individuals helping them solve their computer problems. With his broad experience he truly joys is helping others solve their problems and make the computer less of a demon and more of a friend.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Kidder
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