Key points from article :
A new laser-steering electromechanical microrobot could make endoscopic surgery easier and more precise.
The miniaturized device, just 6 mm by 11 mm in size, fits into existing endoscopic surgical devices.
Laser-steering system incorporates piezoelectric bending actuators and three miniature rotating mirrors.
Laser beam enters the microrobot through an optical fiber, and a gradient-index collimating lens narrows and aligns the beam.
A miniature plano-convex lens focuses the light, and a fixed mirror reflects it at a 90-degree angle.
Next in the light path are the controllable mirrors, which direct the beam onto the surgical site.
A new modular assembly technique that will streamline the assembly process for future versions of the device.
Demonstrated their proof-of-concept microrobot only with a low-power red laser pointer.
Working on integrating with the types of high-power lasers used in modern surgery.
Research by Harvard University published in the Journal Science Robotics.
