Riverfield has selected Wind River’s real-time operating system VxWorks for developing the surgical assist robot, Saroa Surgical System.

With VxWorks, Riverfield will be able to conduct real-time processing with a consistent sub-microsecond response time.

This allows control of pneumatic forces such as gripping, grasping, pulling and other applications required at high speed and precision while performing surgery.

Using pneumatic pressure, when driving its robotic forceps, the surgical assist robot reproduces the sense-of-force tactile sensation.

Pneumatic systems are cost-effective, as they can provide force feedback without a force sensor.

Compared to traditional surgical robots, the Saroa Surgical System allows the doctor operating the robot to feel as if they are operating directly.

This helps enhance the precision of delicate manoeuvres at the time of surgery.

Riverfield CEO Kotaro Tadano said: “Riverfield is dedicated to solving social issues through the power of robotics.

“Surgical procedures in which human lives are at stake demand extreme precision.

“VxWorks has an extensive track record in the field of medical devices that require a high level of control and real-time performance. It is essential to us to work with reliable, proven solutions.”

VxWorks is claimed to deliver real-time and deterministic runtime, along with an advanced approach to development.

Wind River chief product officer Avijit Sinha said: “We are excited to have VxWorks help Riverfield develop high-performance robotic systems that will improve surgical precision and safety.”