Surgical Robot Industrial PC Motherboard Solutions: Key Considerations and Recommended Products

Surgical robots require high-performance, reliable, and customizable computing solutions to handle tasks such as real-time data processing, AI-driven decision-making, motion control, and integration with medical imaging systems. Below are the critical aspects and recommended industrial PC motherboard solutions based on industry needs and available technologies:

1. High-Performance Computing for AI and Real-Time Processing Meteor Lake PS (MX-MTLPS):

AI-Enabled Mini ITX Motherboard: Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors with integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), enabling AI-driven tasks like image recognition, surgical navigation, and predictive analytics. This is critical for edge AI applications in surgical robotics 1.

Features: LGA 1851 socket, low-profile design, and compatibility with AI frameworks for enhanced surgical precision.

Granite Rapids (HPM-GNRDE):

Server-Class EATX Motherboard: Dual 6th Gen Intel® Xeon processors with 16 DDR5 slots (up to 4TB RAM) and PCIe Gen5 support. Ideal for high-throughput data processing in multi-robot systems or complex surgical workflows.

1. Compact and Modular Designs for Integration COM-HPC® Client Modules (ESM-HRPL):

Supports 12th–14th Gen Intel® Core™ processors in a compact form factor. Suitable for space-constrained robotic arms or console units.

Offers scalability for diverse surgical applications, from minimally invasive tools to advanced imaging systems.

Type6 COM Express Modules (ESM-ARL/TWLC):

Ultra-compact designs for embedded systems, supporting Intel® Core™ Ultra and low-power N-series processors. Ideal for portable or modular surgical robots requiring energy efficiency.

1. Motion Control and Precision Integration Surgical robots demand precise motion control for instruments and imaging systems. Key solutions include:

Frameless Motors and Drives: Integration with Kollmorgen’s TBM2G frameless torque motors, which provide compact, high-precision motion control for robotic joints. These motors pair with industrial motherboards to ensure smooth, low-speed operation and safety-critical feedback.

PCIe Expansion: Motherboards like HPM-GNRDE offer multiple PCIe Gen5 slots for adding motion control cards or fieldbus I/O modules, enabling synchronization between robotic arms and imaging systems.

1. Compliance and Longevity Medical Certifications: BCM’s motherboards are manufactured in ISO 13485-certified facilities, ensuring compliance with medical device standards.

Extended Lifecycle Support: Products are designed for 5–7+ years of availability, critical for surgical robots requiring long-term maintenance and upgrades.

1. Customization and Turnkey Solutions ODM/OEM Services: BCM offers full customization from motherboard design to system integration, supporting x86 and ARM architectures. Services include thermal simulation, regulatory compliance (e.g., CE, FCC), and mechanical design for medical-grade enclosures.

Application-Specific Designs: Examples include solutions for medical imaging (CT/MRI integration), haptic feedback systems, and autonomous surgical carts

Case Studies and Industry Applications
Versius Surgical Robot (CMR Surgical): Utilizes compact, high-performance computing modules for real-time control and AI-enhanced visualization.

Jianjia Robot’s "artrobot": Employs 7-axis control systems requiring precise motherboard coordination for joint replacement surgeries.

Recommended Suppliers
BCM Advanced Research: Offers a range of industrial motherboards with medical certifications and customization options.

Kollmorgen: Provides motion control solutions compatible with high-performance computing platforms.

For detailed specifications or tailored solutions, refer to the manufacturers’ websites or contact their engineering teams directly.