6.3.5 - Multidimensional Force Estimation in Laparoscopic Instruments with a CMOS-Based Force Sensor Chip

Event
EUROSENSORS 2026
2026-09-06 - 2026-09-09
Zurich
Band
Lectures
Chapter
Signal Analysis, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Sensing
Author(s)
T. Hehn, B. Folkmer, R. Nouna, S. Knappmann, O. Amft - Hahn-Schickard,Villingen-Schwenningen (Germany), W. Kunert, S. Axt - Universitätsklinikum Tübingen,Tübingen (Germany), J. Rolinger, A. Brodbeck - Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH,Tübingen (Germany)
Pages
217 - 219
DOI
10.5162/eurosensors2026/6.3.5
ISBN
978-3-910600-12-6
Price
free

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery lacks haptic feedback, limiting the surgeon’s ability to assess tissue interaction forces. This work presents a miniaturized CMOS-based multisensor chip integrated in laparoscopic instruments for multidimensional force sensing. Finite element modeling was used to optimize sensor placement. Machine learning models reconstruct axial, lateral, and gripping forces from 32 sensors per chip. A Random Forest model reached near-perfect accuracy between 0.0001 N and 0.0048 N. Results demonstrate the feasibility of compact, high-precision force sensing in smart surgical instruments.

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