摘要： 809

摘要： An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including machine learning, neural networks and cellular automata.

摘要： No abstract available.

关键词： Single-site robotic cholecystectomy   Single-port robotic cholecystectomy   Robotic cholecystectomy   Robotics training   Resident robotics training   Robotics training curriculum  

摘要： Background: It has become increasingly important to expose surgical residents to robotic surgery as its applications continue to expand. Single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC) is an excellent introductory case to robotics. Resident involvement in SSRC is known to be feasible. Here, we sought to determine whether it is safe to introduce SSRC to junior residents. Materials and methods: A total of 98 SSRC cases were performed by general surgery residents between August 2015 and August 2016. Cases were divided into groups based on resident level: second-and third-years (juniors) versus fourth-and fifth-years (seniors). Patient age, gender, race, body mass index, and comorbidities were recorded. The number of prior laparoscopic cholecystectomies completed by participating residents was noted. Outcomes including operative time, console time, rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, and complication rate were compared between groups. Results: Juniors performed 54 SSRC cases, whereas seniors performed 44. There were no significant differences in patient age, gender, race, body mass index, or comorbidities between the two groups. Juniors had less experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference in mean operative time (92.7 min versus 98.0 min, P = 0.254), console time (48.7 min versus 50.8 min, P = 0.639), or complication rate (3.7% versus 2.3%, P = 0.68) between juniors and seniors. Conclusions: SSRC is an excellent way to introduce general surgery residents to robotics. This study shows that with attending supervision, SSRC is feasible and safe for both junior and senior residents with very low complication rates and no adverse effect on operative time. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

关键词： Autonomous system   calibration   collision avoidance   computed tomography (CT)   flexible automation   helical scanning   motion control   nondestructive testing (NDT)   path planning   precision movement   radiation damage   radiography   software communication  

摘要： Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of Texas at Austin recently implemented a robotically controlled nondestructive testing (NDT) system for X-ray and neutron imaging. This system is intended to address the need for accurate measurements for a variety of parts and, be able to track measurement geometry at every imaging location, and is designed for high-throughput applications. This system was deployed in a beam port at a nuclear research reactor and in an operational inspection X-ray bay. The nuclear research reactor system consisted of a precision industrial seven-axis robot, 1.1-MW TRIGA research reactor, and a scintillator-mirror-camera-based imaging system. The X-ray bay system incorporated the same robot, a 225-keV microfocus X-ray source, and a custom flat panel digital detector. The robotic positioning arm is programmable and allows imaging in multiple configurations, including planar, cylindrical, as well as other user defined geometries that provide enhanced engineering evaluation capability. The imaging acquisition device is coupled with the robot for automated image acquisition. The robot can achieve target positional repeatability within 17 mu m in the 3-D space. Flexible automation with nondestructive imaging saves costs, reduces dosage, adds imaging techniques, and achieves better quality results in less time. Specifics regarding the robotic system and imaging acquisition and evaluation processes are presented. This paper reviews the comprehensive testing and system evaluation to affirm the feasibility of robotic NDT, presents the system configuration, and reviews results for both X-ray and neutron radiography imaging applications. Note to Practitioners-While looking for ways to improve throughput and increase efficiency in nondestructive imaging applications, the NonDestructive Testing and Evaluation Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory decided to take a look at automation opportunities. Digital radiography and computed tomograph

关键词： Industrial robots   Robotics   Artificial intelligence   Computer software   Computer vision  

摘要： The next "dynamic duo" may not involve humans at all. Machine vision and robots make for a perfect marriage, stated Klas Bengtsson, global product manager, vision systems for ABB Robotics. This is not new. Vision and robotics have gone hand in hand for years. But unlike other marriages, this one is thriving as machine vision is expanding in capability and finding new applications. The "perfect" marriage of the past involved guiding the robot. But new applications-like children from a good marriage-now include inspecting parts, reading bar or QR codes for traceability, and finding new ways to pack and unpack parts. It all boils down to the flexibility machine vision provides. Vision has helped ABB enhance the capabilities of many robotic applications. The need for flexibly guiding robots has been driven by increasing product diversity and the need to shorten lead times in many industries. If you hardcode the robotic automation, the minute you change a product or something in your production line you must change the program.

关键词： Robotic hernia   Laparoscopic hernia   Retrospective  

摘要： The utilization of robotic platforms for general surgery procedures such as hernia repair is growing rapidly in the United States. A limited amount of data are available evaluating operative outcomes in comparison to standard laparoscopic surgery. We completed a retrospective review comparing robotic and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair to provide safety and outcomes data to help design a future prospective trial design. A retrospective review of 215 patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (142 robotic and 73 laparoscopic) was completed at two large academic centers. Primary outcome measure evaluated was recurrence. Secondary outcomes included incidence of primary fascial closure, and surgical site occurrences. Propensity for treatment match comparison demonstrated that robotic repair was associated with a decreased incidence of recurrence (2.1 versus 4.2%, p < 0.001) and surgical site occurrence (4.2 versus 18.8%, p < 0.001). This may be because robotic repair was associated with increased incidence of primary fascial closure (77.1 versus 66.7%, p < 0.01). Analysis of baseline patient populations showed that robotic repairs were completed on patients with lower body mass index (28.1 +/- 3.6 versus 34.2 +/- 6.4, p < 0.001) and fewer comorbidities. Our retrospective data show that robotic repair was associated with decreased recurrence and surgical site occurrence. However, the differences noted in the patient populations limit the interpretability of these results. As adoption of robotic ventral hernia repair increases, prospective trials need to be designed in order to investigate the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of this evolving technique.

关键词： Robotics equipment   Tubes -- Equipment & supplies   Welding equipment -- Evaluation   Packaging equipment  

摘要： The article offers brief information on several robotics devices including the Jointed Tubing System from REIKU GmbH, the LazerArc Multi-Axis Welding Positioner from LazerArc, and the Model 600 robotic packer from A-B-C Packaging Corp.