Computer Integrated Surgery has only existed for two decades, however it has already
spread out world wide, with well over 100.000 operations performed. In the near future,
newly developed robotic systems may conquer even the most challeng-ing fields—such
as neurosurgery—to provide better patient care and medical outcome. This paper presents
the major systems and different strategies applied in robotic neurosurgery. Besides
appropriate design, adequate control strategies are required to ensure maximal safety.
This makes automated neurosurgery a technologically challenging area for researchers.
It is also important during the design phase to consider market aspects. We anticipate
that the future trends of clinical applications are outlined by the current leading
research directions. The conclusions of the past years of inno-vation will lead forward
on the path of further improvement.
