Robotic systems in surgery have become increasingly common in hospitals around the world. Because many robotic medical devices and surgical tools do not provide tactile sensation, there has been no definitive way for a surgeon to sense how much force is applied when using these instruments. Embedding force sensing technology into these devices can address this critical need.

A feature article in the Sept. 2017 issue of "Sensor Technology," a Tech Briefs publication, highlighted a haptic man-machine interface developed by the Cambridge Research and Development group (CRD). Their interface, called "Neo," featured FlexiForce sensors embedded onto specific contact areas of a gripper device  to help ensure a safe surgical procedure.

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