Industrial
The September 2026 digital issue of The Robot Report examines two of automation’s more successful application areas: surgical robots and warehouse logistics. The free download presents real-world use cases intended to guide commercial robotics developers, suppliers, integrators, and end users.
The first article focuses on how clinicians at El Camino Health and Heart Vascular Institute use the da Vinci system from Intuitive Surgical for coronary artery bypass grafting. Although robot-assisted procedures of this kind are relatively common, the report notes the work remains demanding on both the healthcare and engineering sides. Precise motion control is required so that minimally invasive procedures, unlike many open surgeries, deliver faster healing with fewer complications for patients. The article describes how El Camino Health implemented robotic surgery to relieve the cognitive burden on its staffers and to improve the consistency and accessibility of care.
Precise motion control is required so that minimally invasive procedures, unlike many open surgeries, deliver faster healing with fewer complications for patients.
The second half of the report, from Automated Warehouse, addresses how to tie autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into existing material handling operations. Unlike automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and some automated forklifts, AMRs are capable of more independent action, which still requires planning and coordination. Warehouse operators should be able to answer questions such as which AMRs are safe around workers and who is responsible for maintenance even before deploying fleets of mobile robots in their facilities. The freelance author also cites examples of successful deployments to glean lessons learned.
As AMRs scale within and across third-party logistics providers (3PLs), retailers, and manufacturing supply chains, businesses can learn best practices from one another for improved efficiency and returns on their investments. The report identifies a common theme between the surgical robot and mobile robot applications: robots need similar conditions for success.
Source: The Robot Report