10029840ALIS (Automated Laparoscopic Instrument Stabiliser) to enable “solo” keyhole surgery and more cost-effective medical procedures.ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKWith the 4th industrial revolution upon us, the development and evolution of surgical instruments and procedures have gathered pace. The classic tools of open surgery are being transformed into new devices whose mission is to evolve towards the "super-surgeon," i.e. a surgeon who can carry out their work faster, more efficiently, and with fewer errors (Taylor, 2003). However, despite this mission, significant inefficiencies remain, particularly in the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Today, a range of advanced techniques in MIS is being performed in gynaecology, cardiac surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and general surgery. MIS general surgery is referred to as laparoscopic surgery and usually requires two to three surgical assistants to perform. However, the healthcare system can significantly reduce costs, improve resource efficiency and safety by reducing the number of assistants required to perform laparoscopic surgery. There is a need for surgeons to perform routine laparoscopic procedures solo. The primary instrument used in laparoscopic surgery is a camera or laparoscope inserted in the patient's body through tiny incisions to provide a view inside. Unfortunately, due to the laparoscope's size, weight, and shape, a surgical camera assistant operates the laparoscope. The operation of the laparoscope needs fine adjustment for the correct aiming of the laparoscope at the surgical field. Camera assistants sometimes operate the laparoscope according to a surgeon's instructions; however, camera assistants need to operate the laparoscope using their judgment to understand the surgeon's intentions to move the laparoscope according to how the surgery progresses. The operation of a laparoscope by camera assistants requires as much proficiency as that of surgeons. It is not unusual for surgery to be interrupted due to a camera assistant not being sufficiently proficient in using the laparoscope. To solve this problem, Smart Surgical Appliances Ltd has commenced the development of an automated laparoscopic instrument stabiliser (ALIS) or camera robot that can hold and position a laparoscope instead of a human camera assistant. The ALIS device is small in size and lightweight to be mounted on the patient with ease and in a short space of time. The operating surgeon directly controls the ALIS device via a foot mouse, allowing the surgeon to define their exact surgical view and perform solo laparoscopic procedures. This will improve operating theatre efficiency, safety, cost and enable healthcare institutions to manage resources more efficiently to drive improvements to meet growing patient demands.