Motion controller helps target brain tumours

This is achieved using a programmable bevel-tip needle (PBN), constructed of four flexible interlocking plastic segments, each of which moves independently, powered by a small ironless motor.

Each segment motor is driven by an Elmo Gold-Twitter servo drive, all controlled by an Elmo Platinum Maestro motion controller. Platinum Maestro uses EtherCAT, an Ethernet protocol for motion control applications. The motion controller can command the axes  at a 250  μs EtherCAT cycle rate, allowing it to quickly respond to or command the PBN to change direction to move around obstructions and avoid damage to brain structures.