A new study has demonstrated that scalpels with integrated sensors can be effective in monitoring the force applied by surgeons during surgeries, opening up possibilities for streamlined surgical training and procedures performed by robotic devices.

Developed by researchers at The University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh,UK;www.ed.ac.uk), the affordable device features a sensor loaded circuit board embedded in the scalpel’s handle.

During trials,the data captured by the scalpel revealed that its sensors could accurately track the level of force being applied during surgical procedures,and how the device was controlled over time.