Why must instrument arms be calibrated before docking in a robotic surgical procedure?

Instrument arms must be calibrated before docking to ensure that their internal sensors and mechanical joints are properly aligned with the robotic system’s control software. Calibration allows the system to know the exact starting position and movement range of each arm. This is important because the robotic system translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise instrument movements, and any error in the initial position would cause inaccurate motion inside the patient. Calibration sets a reference point so the robotic system can track and control every movement accurately. For example, if the arm is not calibrated, the instrument tip might move too far or in the wrong direction when the surgeon makes a small movement, which could damage tissue or miss the target area. Proper calibration also allows the system to detect if any joint is stiff, misaligned, or malfunctioning before the procedure starts. This prevents technical errors during surgery and ensures the robotic arms respond smoothly and predictably to the surgeon’s commands.