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Intelligent Scalpels Through Touch Technology

Posted by michael on from the fumbling-toward-ecstasy dept.

DullTrev writes: "The BBC News site is running a story about touch technology. Basically, haptics is the science of incorporating a sense of touch into technology. Scientists at the University of Tokyo have developed a sensor which can feel. So you could have a surgeon operating with a scalpel incorporating this technology, the scalpel could push back against the surgeon when he tries to slice and dice an artery. I'm sure there could be loads of applications for this technology - most uselessly the test these scientists have been doing - stopping cutting a hardboiled egg when you get to the yolk..."

2 of 87 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Telemedicine by Flakeloaf · · Score: 2, Funny

    And what if that rural area doesn't happen to have DSL? Trusting my counterstrike stats in the face of latency is one thing, but can you picture a doctor fighting with it?

    "DOOD, wtf? You just p4wned that guy's aorta!"
    "Bah, lag"
    "Lag schmag joo sux0r"

    --

    Am I the only one who heard Roxette to sing "I'm gonna get blitzed for some sex"?

  2. Sword fighting and medieval mayhem?! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Aside from serious apps, I wonder if this could be used for recreational weapons and stage props. A sword that cuts everything but human skin would be peachy keen.

    Imagine.. you and your geeky Renaissance friends could suit up and smash away with realistic swords and minimal armor- no more dorky duct tape swords, W00t!