A brief introduction is given to the definitions and history of surgical robotics. The capabilities and merits of surgical robots are then contrasted with the related field of computer assisted surgery. A classification is then given of the various types of robot system currently being investigated internationally, together with a number of examples of different applications in both soft-tissue and orthopaedic surgery. The paper finishes with a discussion of the main difficulties facing robotic surgery and a prediction of future progress.
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