As healthcare robotics becomes increasingly sophisticated, the demand for precision, responsiveness, and patient-specific adaptability has never been higher. At the heart of this transformation lies advanced sensor technology—particularly strain gauge sensors—enabling medical robots to operate with greater intelligence and accuracy. To shed light on the latest developments, we spoke with Anjali Mahajan, Engineering Manager – OEM Sensor, who shares her expert insights on how sensor innovation is powering the next generation of medical devices
Sensors are fundamental to the advanced capabilities of medical robots. They empower these systems to perceive, interpret, and respond dynamically to their surroundings. By detecting real-time changes in parameters such as force, pressure, temperature, and proximity, sensors enable robots to function with high levels of precision, efficiency, and autonomy.
This capability is especially vital in procedures like minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation support, and continuous patient monitoring. Moreover, sensors contribute to both safety and adaptability, allowing medical robots to tailor their responses to individual patient needs and unexpected events.
Medical robots utilise a range of navigation sensors, including:
By constantly gathering environmental data, sensors allow medical robots to make real-time decisions. For instance:
A typical medical robot comprises:
Force and torque sensing is particularly significant in robotic joints, where it ensures gentle, controlled movements during surgery or rehabilitation by monitoring applied pressure and resistance.
Force/Torque sensors measure mechanical stress applied to robotic components and convert it into electrical signals. This data enables robots to:
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) have revolutionised sensor design by enabling the development of compact and highly sensitive devices. Key benefits include:
MEMS sensors are integral to a range of robotic healthcare systems:
Piezoelectric sensors are employed in various clinical applications:
These sensors generate an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress, allowing them to:
Control systems in medical robotics combine:
Sensors underpin control precision by:
Sensor technology is no longer just an enabler—it’s the intelligence that empowers medical robots to adapt, respond, and care with human-like precision.
Artificial intelligence enables:
This integration supports adaptive surgeries, early anomaly detection, and intelligent patient monitoring.
Want to explore how sensor technology can take your medical device innovation to the next level?
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
