Advancing Robotics in Healthcare

Advancing Robotics: India achieved a significant milestone by performing two complex heart surgeries using the country’s first indigenous surgical tele-robotic system, the SSI Mantra, over a physical distance of 286 km.

What is SSI Mantra?

About: SSI Mantra is India’s first indigenous surgical robotic system to receive regulatory approval for telesurgery. It is developed by SS Innovations.

It was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the central regulatory authority under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, of 1940.

Key Features: Advancing Robotics in Healthcare

Ultra-low Latency: Operates at a latency of 35–40 milliseconds, enabling seamless remote operations without delay.

High-precision Surgeries: Designed for procedures like Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB), one of the most intricate cardiac surgeries.

Regulatory Approval: Recognized as the first robotic system certified for both telesurgery and remote surgical training (tele-proctoring).

Working Mechanism:

It operates on a Master-Slave Console Model, where:

The Master surgeon console remotely controls the surgery, allowing the lead surgeon to perform precise movements.

The Slave Console near the patient executes commands with robotic instruments, enabling effective surgical care despite geographical distance.

Significance:

Facilitates access to expert surgical care in underserved or remote regions with limited medical facilities.

Overcomes geographical barriers, ensuring world-class surgical expertise is available even in distant locations.

Minimally invasive techniques result in faster recovery times, fewer complications, reduced trauma, and Improved overall patient experiences.

What are Robots?

Definition: Robots are automatic, self-controlled machines capable of performing tasks with minimal human intervention.

It is a multidisciplinary field combining materials science, computer science, electronics, mechanics, and more.

Parts of Robots:

Includes end-effectors (similar to human hands), manipulators (analogous to arms), locomotion devices, controllers, and sensors.

Types of Robots:

Mobility-based:

Fixed/Static: E.g., assembly robots.

Mobile/Moving: Wheeled or legged robots.

Ability-based:

Type I: Perform tasks better than humans (e.g., cutting).

Type II: Perform dangerous tasks to protect humans (e.g., space exploration).

Shape-based:

Mechanical Robots: Industrial robots.
Animal Robots: Robo Dog: AIBO, developed by Sony.

Humanoid Robots:

Gynoid Robot: Female-looking robots, such as Sofia.
Android Robot: Male-looking robots.

What is the Current Status of Robotics in India?

Current Status: Between 2016 and 2021, the operational stock of industrial robots in India doubled. According to the World Robotics Report 2024, India ranked 7th globally in terms of annual industrial robot installations.

However, India’s robotics ecosystem has grown more slowly compared to some developed nations.

Made-in-India Robots: India has developed several notable robots like

DAKSHA (Defense): Automated mobile platform with stair-climbing and IED handling capabilities.

Vyom Mitra (Space): ISRO’s humanoid robot for Gaganyaan missions.

MANAV (Technology): India’s first 3D-printed humanoid robot with vision, sound processing, and interactive abilities.

Government Initiatives:

National Health Policy, 2017: Recognizes the role of technology in improving healthcare services, emphasizing robotics and other advanced solutions.

Draft National Strategy on Robotics (2023): Aims to establish a Robotics Innovation Unit (RIU) to foster the development of robotics in healthcare and other sectors. The Indian government has established several research centres to foster robotics development:

The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) focus on leveraging AI and robotics.

Center for Advanced Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CAMRAS) aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported robotics systems.

The I-HUB Foundation for Robotics (IHFC) at IIT Delhi has launched various projects in healthcare, medical simulators, and drone applications.

ISRO and Robotics: India’s space agency, ISRO, is developing humanoid robots for future manned missions. Vyom Mitra, a female robot astronaut, is set to be launched as part of India’s Gaganyaan project in 2024.