What configuration step must be repeated if any robotic arm is repositioned after initial docking?

If any robotic arm is repositioned after initial docking, the targeting and instrument calibration step must be repeated. Targeting refers to the process of aligning the robotic arm's instrument tip with the visual and physical location of the surgical target inside the patient’s body. Instrument calibration ensures that the robotic system correctly understands the position, angle, and insertion depth of each instrument relative to the camera and the surgical field. When a robotic arm is moved after docking, even slightly, its spatial relationship with the target anatomy changes. This can lead to misalignment, inaccurate instrument movements, or collisions inside the body. Repeating the targeting and calibration step allows the system to update its internal model of the arm’s position, ensuring that commands from the surgeon are correctly translated into precise movements. For example, if an arm is moved to relieve tension on the port or to improve access, recalibration ensures that the instrument follows the surgeon’s intended path accurately and safely without risking damage to tissue.