Heart surgery is risky business. When heart surgery is performed, the ol’ bloodpump has to be removed because, of course, it’s easier for a surgeon to work with a non-beating heart. Cardiopulmonary bypass machines are used to keep the blood flowing, but there are still dangers involved and brain damage is a major risk. A new robot, however, may make it possible for surgeons to operate on still-beating hearts.
A team comprised of members from Harvard University and the Children’s Hospital of Boston has developed a robotic tool that compensates for the movements of a beating heart, thus allowing a surgeon to work with the gears spinnin. A 3D ultrasound system senses data about the heart like size, shape, and movements. Software in the bot then predicts the heart’s next movement 70 to 100 milliseconds early. The surgical tool slides back and forth to account for the heart’s beating movements.
The robot has had successful animal trials but is still under development. Here’s a short clip of the bot in action.

[Gizmodo]

Ever wonder what lurks within that cute cuddly robot? I bet there’s a surprise inside. There is. Basically once you see inside, it just gets even more creepy. Artist Matt Kirkland has taken it upon himself to play operation and he’s actually opened up 25 toy robots and exposed their inner workings for all to see. Take this Barney for instance. Who would have expected a black Darth Vader version beneath? Hit the link for a lot more.

[MattKirkland]