Medical, Surgical, & Healthcare Robots

HBK sensors enhance medical robots with real-time data analytics, precision control, and seamless integration for safer, less invasive, and more efficient procedures. From robot-assisted surgery to intelligent rehabilitation, our sensor technology is transforming the future of healthcare.

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Your expert partner in medical robotics

The complexity of medical and surgical robots requires unique solutions. With little room for error, you need a measurement solution that you can rely on.

We bring together a comprehensive sensor portfolio and a dedicated team of experts to create custom solutions for medical robotics.

Solutions that deliver precision and reliability, backed by more than 80 years of innovation.

HBK's force and torque sensors provide feedback on applied forces, preventing tissue damage and enabling highly precise manipulation during delicate procedures.

HBK's miniaturised sensors allow operation in confined spaces, significantly enhancing surgical performance.

HBK sensors maintain their reliability despite environmental factors and integrate effectively with control systems, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.

Advancing precision and care with medical robotics

Each type of medical robot relies on advanced sensors to enable controlled movements, rapid response, and enhanced patient safety.

From precision surgery to adaptive rehabilitation, HBK’s sensors are helping these medical robots transform healthcare with cutting-edge technology.

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Surgical Robots
Rehabilitation Robots
Robotic Prostheses
Assistive Robots
Telepresence Robots

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Maximum Precision and Safety

Surgical robots assist in complex procedures, offering enhanced dexterity, accuracy, and control for surgeons.

By integrating high-precision sensors, these robots ensure safer, more efficient operations, reducing risks and improving patient recovery outcomes.

Key examples of sensors used by surgical robots include:

Force and torque sensors – regulate applied force to prevent tissue damage, ensuring delicate manipulation for patient safety.
Multi-axis load sensors – monitor forces on robotics arms, optimizing instrument handling and reducing strain.
Pressure sensors – measure tissue interaction to enhance safety during incisions and suturing.
Displacement and position sensors – provide real-time tracking of surgical instruments for ultra-precise movements.
Strain gauge sensors – detect stress on robotic components, preventing overload and ensuring durability.
Acceleration and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors – improve robotic movement stability and fluidity for smooth operation.

These sensors collectively allow surgical robots to perform highly intricate robot-assisted surgeries (RAS) – such as minimally invasive procedures, orthopaedic reconstructions, and neurosurgery – with unparalleled precision.

Medical students practicing for keyhole surgery. Osaka, Japan. March 2018

Adaptive Patient Assistance

Rehabilitation robots facilitate functional recovery and rehabilitation by providing personalised therapy, dynamic movement support, and real-time feedback based on patient needs.

These robotic systems enhance physiotherapy by adapting exercises to the patient’s progress and capabilities.

Key examples of sensors used by rehabilitation robots include:

Force and torque sensors – adjust resistance levels to match patient strength and recovery stage.
Position and displacement sensors – track limb movements, guiding therapy with precise adjustments.
Acceleration and IMU sensors – analyse posture, balance, and movement to tailor rehabilitation programmes to the patient.
Strain gauge sensors – monitor mechanical stress on robotic rehabilitation equipment for safe and durable operation.

These rehabilitation robots are widely used in stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury recovery, and physical therapy programmes, allowing patients to regain mobility faster with adaptive support.

Doctor and nurse looking at a man who walks with the help of a medical robot

Recreating Natural Movement

Advanced bionic prosthetics incorporate sensors to help restore mobility and dexterity, making experiences seamless and intuitive for users.

By detecting motion intent and environmental feedback, robotic prostheses provide natural, responsive movement for individuals with limb loss.

Key examples of sensors used by robotic prostheses include:

Force and torque sensors – provide tactile feedback, helping users gauge pressure and grip.
Displacement and position sensors – synchronise prosthetic motion with the user’s real-time muscle signals.
Acceleration and IMU sensors – adjust to posture changes and motion variations, providing stability while walking or grasping.
Strain gauge sensors – reduce component stress to optimize the prosthetic’s durability, longevity, and reliability.

Integrating these sensors into robotic prostheses empowers users with more control, balance, and comfort, improving daily activities like walking, holding objects, and fine motor tasks.

One man, sportsman with amputee leg and artificial limb, preparing for a run on the street in sunset.

Enhancing patient independence

Assistive robots support individuals with limited mobility, neuromuscular disorders, or age-related challenges, providing greater autonomy and interaction with their surroundings.

These robots are designed to navigate environments, handle objects, and assist with daily tasks.

Key examples of sensors used by assistive robots include:

Force and torque sensors – enable precise object handling, providing safe grip without damage.
Displacement and position sensors – facilitate accurate navigation and interaction with objects.
IMU and localisation sensors – help users avoid obstacles by auto-correcting trajectories to support autonomous movement.
Strain gauge sensors – assess applied forces for safer gripping and handling, providing safe and ergonomic assistance.

Common applications for assistive robots include smart wheelchairs, robotic arms for disabled users, and home assistance robots, significantly improving independence and quality of life.

Portrait of Two Diverse Male Industrial Robotics Specialists Working on a Mobile Robot. Caucasian And Black Engineers In Lab Coats Discussing an Automated Robotic Delivery Assistant with AI.

Remote medical consultation

Telepresence robots transform healthcare by facilitating remote consultations, allowing medical professionals to assess, diagnose, and interact with patients from anywhere.

These robots improve accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness in medical care – especially in remote or underserved areas.

Key examples of sensors used by telepresence robots include:

Position and displacement sensors – allow precise navigation and camera adjustments for seamless virtual interactions.
IMU and localisation sensors – stabilise movement and auto-correct positioning for smooth, real-time communication.
Force and pressure sensors – enable physical interaction with critical medical equipment, such as adjusting beds or operating devices remotely.
Strain gauge sensors – monitor structural stress to prevent damage or mechanical failures.

Using these advanced sensors, telepresence robots allow real-time doctor-patient interactions, bringing specialised medical expertise to hospitals, clinics, and home-care settings while bridging geographical gaps in healthcare access.

Surgical and medical robots controlled by an operator

Carrying out an operation using a robot, a robot surgeon with manipulators, a modern operating room, surgeons people perform an operation using a surgeon's robot through the control panel

Smart sensors & medical robotics – challenge, responses, opportunities

Aging populations. Workforce shortages. Rising demands for precision. Medical systems are stretched to their limits. But new technology is here to change that.

Next-generation medical robotics and miniaturised smart sensors revolutionise care, boost efficiency, and provide safer operations for patients and providers.

Powered by AI, IoMT, and ultra-precise sensor technology, these innovations are reshaping diagnostics, treatment, and patient monitoring.

The future of medicine is safer, smarter, and more personalised than ever.

Discover how HBK’s sensors in medical robots are creating a better future for healthcare.

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The medical robotics market is experiencing strong growth, driven by technological advances and increasing adoption in healthcare. Valued at $9.19 billion in 2022, it is projected to reach $25.44 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 18.5%.

Partner with HBK – powering the future of medical, surgical, and healthcare robotics

Medical robotics is advancing at an unprecedented pace – and HBK is at the forefront of this transformation.

Our advanced miniaturised sensors, embedded electronics, and real-time feedback systems allow surgical robots to achieve unmatched precision, safety, and efficiency for better patient outcomes.

As a trusted partner for OEMs in medical robotics, we provide:

R&D testing and validation solutions to accelerate innovation
Easy-to-integrate sensors for mechanical measurements, providing unbeatable accuracy
Custom sensor development, from design to production

With next-generation sensor technology, HBK is shaping new opportunities for smarter, safer, more responsive medical robots, seamlessly integrated into patient care.

From safer medical devices to more intelligent human-machine interaction, our innovations drive a new era of personalised, efficient healthcare.

Ready to build the future of medical robotics together?

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FAQ | Answer to your questions about HBK Sensors Solution for Medical Robot

Medical robots rely on various navigation sensors, including:

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): These combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to track movement and maintain orientation.
GPS Sensors: Used to navigate large spaces, particularly in outdoor medical applications such as emergency response.

By continuously collecting data, sensors allow robots to make real-time adjustments. For example:

Tactile sensors detect pressure and adjust force accordingly.
Imaging sensors assist in identifying objects and human gestures.
Proximity sensors prevent collisions by detecting nearby obstacles.
Temperature sensors ensure the safe handling of temperature-sensitive materials.
Force/Torque sensors enable robotic movements to be adjusted based on applied pressure, which is crucial in surgical and prosthetic applications.

A medical robot typically comprises:

Actuators: Drive the movement of robotic arms and tools.
Joints: Provide articulation and a range of motion.
End-effectors: Such as surgical instruments, grippers, or scanning probes.
Structural framework: Offers support and stability to the robotic system.
Sensors: Integrated into each component to deliver real-time feedback, ensuring precision and safety—e.g. force sensors in robotic arms for delicate surgical tasks.
Force and torque sensors : facilitate delicate, controlled movements in surgical and rehabilitative settings by constantly monitoring resistance and pressure.

Force/Torque sensors measure mechanical forces applied to robotic instruments and convert them into electrical signals. They help regulate force application, minimising the risk of tissue damage during surgery or rehabilitation. These sensors also enable robotic prostheses to mimic natural hand movements with improved dexterity.

Surgical robotics: Maintain controlled pressure during incisions and suturing.
Prosthetics: Enhance grip strength and object manipulation in robotic limbs.
Rehabilitation robots: Offer resistance feedback to tailor therapy exercises.
Patient handling systems: Prevent the use of excessive force when transferring or repositioning patients.

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology enables the development of compact, highly sensitive sensors that are essential in medical robotics. These sensors provide:

Miniaturisation: Enabling smaller and more precise robotic tools.
High sensitivity: Allowing early detection of physical changes during procedures.
Low power consumption: Enhancing efficiency in wearable and implantable devices.
Cost-effective production: Facilitating the scalable use of medical robotics.

MEMS sensors are used in medical devices for:

Surgical robotics: Improving fine motor control.
Wearable medical devices: Monitoring vital signs.
Implantable devices: Supporting long-term patient monitoring.
Autonomous robotic systems: Enhancing spatial awareness and navigation.

Piezoelectric sensors are used in:

Ultrasound imaging: Converting electrical signals into sound waves to produce images.
Drug delivery systems: Managing the precise release of medication.
Blood pressure monitoring: Measuring variations in cardiovascular pressure.
Wearable diagnostics: Tracking patient movement and physiological conditions.

Piezoelectric force sensors generate an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress. This enables them to:

Detect pressure changes for blood flow monitoring.
Convert mechanical movements into electrical signals in prosthetic devices.
Support minimally invasive procedures by measuring applied force in real time.

Improved accuracy: Enhances surgical precision.
Fast response time: Enables real-time feedback in critical procedures.
Durability: Tolerates repeated sterilisation and extended use.
Energy efficiency: Ideal for wearable and implantable applications.
Compact size: Allows integration into small-scale robotic systems.

Medical robots function through a combination of:

Pre-programmed algorithms: Governing specific tasks and movements.
Real-time sensor feedback: Adapting to environmental changes dynamically.
AI-driven decision-making: Increasing adaptability and efficiency.

Sensors enable precise control by:

Detecting force levels to avoid tissue damage during procedures.
Supporting stable navigation in robotic rehabilitation systems.
Enabling gesture recognition for intuitive user control.

Force/Torque sensors: Enable fine manipulation and feedback.
Position sensors: Track the accuracy of robotic movements.
Vision sensors: Assist in object recognition and navigation.
Proximity sensors: Increase safety for patients and operators.
Tactile sensors: Provide touch feedback, crucial in prosthetics and surgical assistance.

AI-powered robots utilise:

Machine learning algorithms to analyse sensor input.
Computer vision to interpret images captured by cameras.
Haptic feedback systems to refine real-time movement.

This enables adaptive surgeries, anomaly detection, and more effective patient monitoring with enhanced decision-making.

Smart prosthetics: AI integrates with force sensors to improve grip control.
Surgical robots: AI processes real-time imaging for precise movements.
Autonomous care robots: AI interprets patient behaviour through motion and temperature sensors.