NYUAD Creates Smart Sensors to Restore Surgeons’ Sense of Touch
New York University Abu Dhabi researchers have developed soft, flexible sensors to restore a surgeon’s sense of touch during minimally invasive procedures. As a result, the innovation addresses a major limitation of keyhole surgeries, where tactile feedback is often lost.
The breakthrough, published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, was led by Mohammad A. Qasaimeh. Moreover, the team created multichannel soft sensors that measure a wide range of forces in real time. These forces range from extremely light contact to stronger gripping, which improves surgical precision.
How the Technology Works
The sensors use soft silicone embedded with microscopic channels filled with liquid metal. When pressure is applied, the channels deform slightly, and therefore the system detects and measures force accurately. Consequently, surgeons gain better feedback during procedures.
To demonstrate effectiveness, researchers integrated the sensors into a laparoscopic grasper. One sensor monitors force applied by the surgeon, while another measures interaction with tissue. As a result, the system provides a more complete understanding of force during surgery.
“Minimally invasive surgery benefits patients, but it also removes a key human capability: the surgeon’s sense of touch,” said Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and senior author of the study.
Qasaimeh added that, “In this work, we developed soft sensors that can capture a wide range of forces while remaining easy to integrate with existing tools, moving us closer to smarter and safer surgical instruments.”
Broader Applications and Future Impact
Wael Othman, First Author of the Study and Assistant Professor at Khalifa University, explained the design goals. “Our goal was to create sensors that are both sensitive and practical for real surgical environments. This design allows us to measure both gentle and strong forces within the same small device, and to place sensors where they are most useful on surgical tools.”
Beyond surgery, the technology offers wider applications. For instance, it can support advancements in robotics, wearable devices, and systems requiring precise force sensing. Therefore, this innovation could influence multiple industries that rely on accurate tactile feedback.
