Critical challenges and mitigation strategies in endoscopic surgical robotic system research and development

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-6899.2025.03.001

Chinese Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery(Electronic Edition) ›› 2025, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (03): 129-133. doi: 10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-6899.2025.03.001

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Critical challenges and mitigation strategies in endoscopic surgical robotic system research and development

Gong Zhang¹, Yezhen Yang², Fei Wang¹, Zhuochao Zhang¹, Xiuping Zhang¹, Jing Shi², Yuan Xing², Rong Liu¹^,^†()

¹Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
²Institute of Medical Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Tianjin University, 300072, China

Received:2025-04-03 Online:2025-06-30 Published:2025-08-26
Contact: Rong Liu

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective

To systematically analyze the core challenges in the current research and development of domestic laparoscopic surgical robots and propose corresponding solutions to promote technological breakthroughs and strategic transformation for domestic systems.

Methods

Focusing on the three key problems prevalent in the research and development of domestic laparoscopic surgical robots-the challenge of multi-modal operational data fusion, the challenge of multi-arm collaborative obstacle avoidance in confined spaces, and the risk posed by the lack of force feedback-along with their solution strategies.

Results

Significant progress has been made in the technological substitution process of domestic systems while seeking solutions around the aforementioned three major challenges.

Conclusion

The future development of domestic laparoscopic surgical robots should focus on specialized instrument innovation, the realization of remote surgery functionality, and AI-powered decision support to overcome core technical bottlenecks. This will expand access from top-tier Class A tertiary hospitals to grassroots healthcare systems, ultimately achieving a strategic transformation from technological substitution to original innovation leadership.

Key words: Endoscopic surgical robotic systems, Skill evaluation framework, Virtual fixture, Force feedback mechanism, Multi-arm collaboration

Gong Zhang, Yezhen Yang, Fei Wang, Zhuochao Zhang, Xiuping Zhang, Jing Shi, Yuan Xing, Rong Liu. Critical challenges and mitigation strategies in endoscopic surgical robotic system research and development[J]. Chinese Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery(Electronic Edition), 2025, 18(03): 129-133.

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Figures/Tables 5

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