A Monolithic Compliant Continuum Manipulator: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Thomas, TL and Venkiteswaran, VK and Ananthasuresh, GK and Misra, S (2020) A Monolithic Compliant Continuum Manipulator: A Proof-of-Concept Study. In: Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 12 (6).

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Abstract

Continuum robots have the potential to form an effective interface between the patient and surgeon in minimally invasive procedures. Magnetic actuation has the potential for accurate catheter steering, reducing tissue trauma and decreasing radiation exposure. In this paper, a new design of a monolithic metallic compliant continuum manipulator is presented, with flexures for precise motion. Contactless actuation is achieved using time-varying magnetic fields generated by an array of electromagnetic coils. The motion of the manipulator under magnetic actuation for planar deflection is studied. The mean errors of the theoretical model compared to experiments over three designs are found to be 1.9 mm and 5.1 deg in estimating the in-plane position and orientation of the tip of the manipulator, respectively, and 1.2 mm for the whole shape of the manipulator. Maneuverability of the manipulator is demonstrated by steering it along a path of known curvature and also through a gelatin phantom, which is visualized in real time using ultrasound imaging, substantiating its application as a steerable surgical manipulator.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics
Publisher:	American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Additional Information:	Copyright to this artilce belongs to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Keywords:	Agricultural robots; Magnetism; Ultrasonic imaging, Electromagnetic coils; Minimally invasive; Position and orientations; Radiation Exposure; Surgical manipulators; Theoretical modeling; Time-varying magnetic fields; Ultrasound imaging, Manipulators
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Mechanical Engineering
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2020 11:26
Last Modified:	23 Nov 2020 11:26
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/66891

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