In February, Sony tested a prototype of the device at Aichi Medical University, where it was tried out by doctors not involved in microsurgery. The test was performed by connecting 0.6 mm vessels, and future plans are to use the device for similarly complex procedures and further improve its accuracy with further improvements.

Microsurgery, unlike macrosurgery, requires not only a high level of knowledge and skills, but also the use of magnifying instruments to make the smallest details visible to the doctor. Optical magnification is an extremely important component, as the procedure usually has to be performed on blood vessels less than 1 mm in diameter.

Sony’s aim is to expand the possibilities of microsurgery, which they are achieving with the robot – the device is not autonomous but works remotely, but it gives surgeons smooth movement and a good view of the area, making it easier to maintain manual control.

The device consists of a VR goggle-like device that does not need to be placed on the head, making it more comfortable to use, and a robotic device with tiny pliers and needles that can be operated with fingertip control. The device allows ultra-precise surgery and automatically switches the devices at the end of the tiny robotic arms as needed during surgery.

The very low latency, zero friction at component connection points and high-resolution 4K imaging ensure that the device is accurate and faithfully conveys the user’s movements during the procedure.