NYU Abu Dhabi Innovates Tactile Tech in Laparoscopic Surgery

Abu Dhabi — Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab) have introduced a novel tactile sensing system that could revolutionize laparoscopic surgery by restoring the critical sense of touch during minimally invasive procedures.

Published in IEEE Access, the study presents a first-of-its-kind “off-the-jaw” sensor integration, which positions force and angle sensors within the handle of laparoscopic instruments, rather than on the tool’s jaw. This unique placement allows surgeons to receive real-time feedback on grasping force, tissue stiffness, and thickness, compensating for the tactile limitations of traditional surgical robotics and MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery).

Minimally invasive techniques, while known for reducing pain, recovery time, and infection risk, often deprive surgeons of haptic feedback, leading to unintentional tissue damage. This breakthrough addresses that challenge by significantly improving precision and control, particularly in delicate procedures.

The team, led by Associate Professor Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, emphasizes that this surgical innovation not only enhances safety but could accelerate surgical training by offering objective performance data. Postdoctoral researcher Wael Othman noted that early trials show a 30% improvement in task efficiency, highlighting its real-world applicability.
Beyond laparoscopic operations, this tactile sensing technology may extend to robotic surgery, endoscopy, and telemedicine, opening the door to smarter, safer interventions across disciplines, including possible integration with systems like the Da Vinci Surgical Robot.