Robots used to save people’s hearing

The Institution of Mechanical Engineering has announced that it will be show casing the world’s first intelligent micro drill which has the capacity to save some people’s hearing.

The drill can intelligently distinguish between different types of tissues, identify the exact point of perforation and drill autonomously to a precise depth, all without having to be programmed.

Prof. Peter Brett, Brunel University, said: “Medical robots are significantly improving the experience of surgery for patients.  With the greater accuracy enabled by the devices, patients experience decrease blood loss, less pain and a quicker healing time. 

“For example, the smart micro-drill can detect tissue interfaces before penetration and then intelligently either control penetration through such delicate structures or avoid penetrating altogether as required, reducing unnecessary tissue damage.”  

The drill is being show cased alongside various other medical technology from November 3rd.