MicroDexterity Systems was founded by Steve Charles, MD to develop systems for dexterity enhancement for microsurgery; a concept he originated in the mid 80's. Dexterity enhancement is a subset of tele-operation. The MDS mission statement was broadened in 1994 to address the problem of non-ferromagnetic tele-operation for intra-operative magnetic resonance imaging frequently called image guided therapy or surgery. MDS has a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement in place with Sandia National Laboratory which has culminated in the development of a high performance surgical tele-operation system. MDS has a Technology Cooperation Agreement in place with NASA JPL which has produced a fully functional tele-operation system for micro-surgery. Baxter Helathcare has invested in MDS and will co-develop, manufacture, and distribute tools for the MDS dexterity enhancement systems. MDS is working with GE Medical Systems to develop a system based on MDS concepts for non-ferromagnetic positioning, tool actuation, as well as position and force sensing. New technologies to be developed with SBIR funding include optimistic computing to reduce latency, parallel kinematic high bandwidth hand interface, parallel kinematic hydraulic manipulator, and all optical position and force sensing with spatial domain multiplexing. Many of the technologies co-developed with Sandia and NASA JPL will be incorporated into the new system.
