Which step must be completed immediately after system power-up and diagnostics but before instrument assignment?

The step that must be completed immediately after system power-up and diagnostics but before instrument assignment is robotic arm positioning and port targeting alignment. After the system powers up and completes its internal checks, the surgical team must move each robotic arm into its pre-docking position based on the planned port locations on the patient’s body. This step ensures that the robotic arms are physically aligned with the correct entry points and spaced properly to avoid collisions. Each arm must be manually adjusted so that it points toward its assigned trocar or cannula. This alignment is essential because robotic instruments must enter the body at the correct angle and depth to allow full range of motion during surgery. If this step is skipped or done incorrectly, the robotic arms may strain against each other or apply force at the wrong angle, leading to loss of precision or mechanical obstruction. Only after correct positioning and port alignment can the system recognize and assign instruments safely.