Design and Analysis of a Novel Articulated Drive Mechanism for Multifunctional NOTES Robot

This paper presents a novel articulated drive mechanism (ADM) for a multifunctional natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) robotic manipulator. It consists mainly of three major components including an articulated snake-like linkage, motor housing and an arm connector. The ADM contains two independent curvature sections which can articulate into complex S shapes for improved access to surgical targets. A connector between the bimanual arms and the ADM provides an efficient and convenient way to assemble and disassemble the system as necessary for insertion and removal of the robot. Four DC motors guide four pairs of cables with linear actuation to steer the robot. The workspace, cable displacement and force transmission relationships are derived. Experimental results give preliminary validation of the feasibility and capability of the ADM system.