SoftMag Robotic Assistant is a conceptual magnetic tissue retraction system designed to provide an additional atraumatic “third hand” during robotic-assisted surgery. The device was conceived to address a common intraoperative limitation in robotic procedures, where the bedside assistant frequently manages multiple tasks simultaneously, including suction, retraction, exposure, and instrument exchange.

The system consists of two main components: an internal soft clamp and an external magnetic controller. The internal clamp is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a standard robotic or assistant port and is designed to gently engage tissue using soft silicone-based atraumatic jaws. The contact surfaces are broad and compliant to distribute pressure evenly and minimize focal stress on delicate structures.

Once the target tissue is engaged, such as omentum, peritoneal flap, bladder flap, or other suitable soft tissues, an external magnetic controller placed over the abdominal wall couples with the internal magnetic core embedded within the clamp. This creates controlled traction across the abdominal wall, allowing tissue to be repositioned and maintained without requiring continuous manual assistance.

A force-limiting spring mechanism within the clamp helps prevent excessive compression of tissue by restricting closure pressure. In addition, controlled magnetic coupling is intended to reduce the risk of excessive traction during repositioning. This dual safety approach aims to minimize tissue trauma while maintaining stable exposure of the operative field.

Potential applications include robotic hernia repair, colorectal surgery, pelvic surgery, bariatric procedures, and other operations requiring sustained dynamic retraction. By reducing assistant workload and improving exposure without additional occupied instruments, SoftMag Robotic Assistant aims to improve workflow efficiency and operative coordination during robotic surgery.

SoftMag is presented as an early-stage surgical innovation concept intended for further engineering development and feasibility evaluation.