Abrazo Health has postponed the robotics display event until further notice. It was originally scheduled for March 21. Check back for updates on when the event will officially take place.

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It’s not every day the general public can see and touch the robotic technology used in hospital operating rooms, but Abrazo Arrowhead Campus is offering that opportunity March 21.

Community members and students interested in STEM careers can “test drive” a surgical robot and hear about the types of procedures available at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

The free event will feature presentations with surgeons and operating room staff speaking about the hospital’s DaVinci, Navio and O-arm surgical technology capabilities, followed by time for hands-on demonstrations for hospital visitors. Each advanced robotic system is designed for specific applications.

Robot-assisted surgery allows minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, and adds precision and accuracy to the surgeon’s movements, according to a news release. Surgeons can perform many different types of robotically assisted procedures including colorectal, gynecological, bariatric, prostatectomy, kidney and bladder surgery, as well as orthopedic and spine procedures.

DaVinci technology uses tiny wristed instruments move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion. It uses highly magnified, 3D high-definition views of the surgical area making it possible for surgeons to operate through a few small incisions.

According to the news release, Navio technology integrates handheld robotics for knee replacement surgery with a patient-specific planning process and instrumentation to help the surgeon precisely prepare the bone for prosthesis implantation.

The O-arm surgical imaging system provides 2D and 3D imaging for spine and orthopedic procedures, allowing real-time, lower-dose radiation for surgical navigation in advanced minimally invasive procedures.