Super minimally invasive surgical robot (SMIS-Robot): Interdisciplinary integration paves the way for a new era of scarless surgery

Abstract

As super minimally invasive surgery (SMIS) evolves in clinical practice, interdisciplinary integration has emerged as the driving force behind its advancement. The natural orifice flexible endoscopic surgical robot represents a technological platform integrating advanced technologies, including mechanical metamaterials, multi-degree-of-freedom design, and intelligent control systems. This integration demonstrates the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling precise, traceless SMIS. Designed specifically for narrow and curvilinear organ lumens, the robot’s microstructure-driven design, highly dexterous mechanical structures, and intelligent control systems enhance the precision, flexibility, and stability of surgical procedures, surpassing limitations of traditional endoscopic techniques in managing complex lesions. This article summarizes key technological advancements, highlighting how microstructure design, dexterous mechanical structures, and intelligent control systems improve surgical safety, accuracy, and effectiveness. We further analyze the critical role of artificial intelligence in system modeling, control strategies designing, and multimodal sensory information processing. Additionally, key non-technical aspects are discussed, such as standardized surgical training processes, system safety, regulatory frameworks, and clinical promotion strategies. In summary, this article aims to provide a comprehensive framework for interdisciplinary research involving materials science, mechanics, artificial intelligence, clinical medicine, facilitating their progression from prototypes to widespread clinical applications in SMIS robots.

Keywords

Super minimally invasive surgical robots / Flexible endoscopic robot for natural-orifice transluminal surgery / Cross-disciplinary integration / No-scar surgery

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