Comprehensive Stiffness Modeling and Evaluation of an Orthopedic Surgical Robot for Enhanced Cutting Operation Performance

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-accuracy stiffness modeling framework for orthopedic surgical robots to improve cutting precision and stability during operations.

Contribution

A validated stiffness modeling approach that reduces cutting deviation and improves workspace stability in orthopedic surgical robots.

Findings

Displacement errors were below 0.3 mm and joint stiffness estimation errors under 1.5%.

Cutting experiments on porcine femurs showed average stiffness prediction errors below 3%.

The model reduced cutting deviation by up to 10% and improved workspace stiffness stability by 30%.

Abstract

This study presents an integrated stiffness modeling and evaluation framework for an orthopedic surgical robot, aiming to enhance cutting accuracy and operational stability. A comprehensive stiffness model is developed, incorporating the stiffness of the end-effector, cutting tool, and force sensor. End-effector stiffness is computed using the virtual joint method based on the Jacobian matrix, enabling accurate analysis of stiffness distribution within the robot’s workspace. Joint stiffness is experimentally identified through laser tracker-based displacement measurements under controlled loads and calculated using a least-squares method. The results show displacement errors below 0.3 mm and joint stiffness estimation errors under 1.5%, with values more consistent and stable than those reported for typical surgical robots. Simulation studies reveal spatial variations in operational stiffness, identifying zones of low stiffness and excessive stiffness. Compared to prior studies where stiffness varied over 50%, the proposed model exhibits superior uniformity. Experimental validation confirms model fidelity, with prediction errors generally below 5%. Cutting experiments on porcine femurs demonstrate real-world applicability, achieving average stiffness prediction errors below 3%, and under 1% in key directions. The model supports stiffness-aware trajectory planning and control, reducing cutting deviation by up to 10% and improving workspace stiffness stability by 30%. This research offers a validated, high-accuracy approach to stiffness modeling for surgical robots, bridging the gap between simulation and clinical application, and providing a foundation for safer, more precise robotic orthopedic procedures.

Figures