arXiv subjects

Eric Diller

Publications and source records attributed to Eric Diller.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Sliding Sensors: Configurable Confidence in State Estimation for Continuum Robots

Continuum robots often operate in uncertain environments, where accurate state estimation is essential for safe interactions. Estimate uncertainty is inherently spatially non-uniform: confidence varies depending on where measurements are available. Global estimation accuracy is not always the top priority, but rather achieving sufficient confidence at task-relevant locations along the robot. This extended abstract introduces mechanically reconfigurable sensing enabling uncertainty-shaping in state estimation for continuum robots. We present a concept hardware design demonstrating the feasibility of longitudinal translation of a sensor within a continuum robot. We demonstrate that state estimation confidence can be reconfigured by varying the sensor location, and show a reduction of full-body shape estimation errors when sliding the sensor back and forth over time, compared to a single fixed tip sensor.

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arXiv2025

Learning-Based Modeling of a Magnetically Steerable Soft Suction Device for Endoscopic Endonasal Interventions

This paper introduces a learning-based modeling framework for a magnetically steerable soft suction device designed for endoscopic endonasal brain tumor resection. The device is miniaturized (4 mm outer diameter, 2 mm inner diameter, 40 mm length), 3D printed using biocompatible SIL 30 material, and integrates embedded Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for real-time shape feedback. Shape reconstruction is represented using four Bezier control points, providing a compact representation of deformation. A data-driven model was trained on 5,097 experimental samples to learn the mapping from magnetic field parameters (magnitude: 0-14 mT, frequency: 0.2-1.0 Hz, vertical tip distances: 90-100 mm) to Bezier control points defining the robot's 3D shape. Both Neural Network (NN) and Random Forest (RF) architectures were compared. The RF model outperformed the NN, achieving a mean RMSE of 0.087 mm in control point prediction and 0.064 mm in shape reconstruction error. Feature importance analysis revealed that magnetic field components predominantly influence distal control points, while frequency and distance affect the base configuration. Unlike prior studies applying general machine learning to soft robotic data, this framework introduces a new paradigm linking magnetic actuation inputs directly to geometric Bezier control points, creating an interpretable, low-dimensional deformation representation. This integration of magnetic field characterization, embedded FBG sensing, and Bezier-based learning provides a unified strategy extensible to other magnetically actuated continuum robots. By enabling sub-millimeter shape prediction and real-time inference, this work advances intelligent control of magnetically actuated soft robotic tools in minimally invasive neurosurgery.

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arXiv2023

Electromagnets Under the Table: an Unobtrusive Magnetic Navigation System for Microsurgery

Miniature magnetic tools have the potential to enable minimally invasive surgical techniques to be applied to space-restricted surgical procedures in areas such as neurosurgery. However, typical magnetic navigation systems, which create the magnetic fields to drive such tools, either cannot generate large enough fields, or surround the patient in a way that obstructs surgeon access to the patient. This paper introduces the design of a magnetic navigation system with eight electromagnets arranged completely under the operating table, to endow the system with maximal workspace accessibility, which allows the patient to lie down on the top surface of the system without any constraints. The found optimal geometric layout of the electromagnets maximizes the field strength and uniformity over a reasonable neurosurgical operating volume. The system can generate non-uniform magnetic fields up to 38 mT along the x and y axes and 47 mT along the z axis at a working distance of 120 mm away from the actuation system workbench, deep enough to deploy magnetic microsurgical tools in the brain. The forces which can be exerted on millimeter-scale magnets used in prototype neurosurgical tools are validated experimentally. Due to its large workspace, this system could be used to control milli-robots in a variety of surgical applications.

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