A device many Americans have in their homes may soon be able to perform life-saving surgeries. For years scientists and engineers have attempted to use gaming technology to create human-controlled robots capable of performing delicate procedures that elude clumsy human hands. Currently, a group of graduate engineering students at the University of Washington is working to reconfigure the Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360 to enable the robotic arms to perform these precise operations.
Electrical engineering student Fredrik Ryden has developed software for the Kinect that can map the patient's body three-dimensionally. In addition, a depth camera will be used to provide a precise picture of the surgical area by emitting and measuring infrared lights reflected by the operating surface.
As with any developing technology, however, the program needs further improvement. Before entering surgical wards, it must have a significantly higher camera resolution and new sensors appropriately sized for operations. The team also needs to integrate the developed technology with a robotics package before it can be functional.
-compiled by Christine Hou
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