Robotic urologic surgery: An introduction and vision for the future

Abstract

Robots have been defined as a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move materials, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks by the Robot Institute of America. Websters' English dictionary describes robots as an automatic apparatus or device that performs functions normally ascribed to humans or operates with what appears to be almost human intelligence. These definitions encompass three levels of functionality--the ability to perform defined maneuvers, the ability to perform such tasks in a preprogrammed order, and the ability to interpret and modify responses to commands, based on experience and learning. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.