Multi-purpose robotic operating system and method

A method for dynamically configuring a robotic system to perform surgical operations using a plurality of robotic arms remotely controlled by at least one operator console, the method comprising the steps of:

• coupling a control unit to at least two selected base stations of a plurality of base stations, the selected base stations connected to selected robotic arms of the plurality of robotic arms, the control unit configured for dynamically connecting operative remote control between the selected base stations and a first operator console of the at least one operator console;
• and
• recording the position of each of the selected base stations at respective locations along a track system mounted to a patient support table, the selected base stations for operatively coupling each of the selected robotic arms to the track system, each of the selected base stations including
• a housing,
• a first connector for coupling the housing to the track system, the first connector configured for facilitating movement of the housing along the track system while coupled thereto, and
• a second connector for coupling the housing to the proximal end of at least one of the selected robotic arms, the second connector configured for providing at least one of power supply, control signalling, and data communication with respect to the selected robotic arm;
• wherein the track system provides a stable operating platform for the selected robotic arms and facilitates placement of a proximal end of each of the selected robotic arms at the respective locations about a periphery of the patient support table.

A dynamically configurable robotic system for performing surgical operations using at least one robotic arm remotely controlled by at least one operator console, the system comprising:

• a track system configured for mounting to a patient support table, the track system for providing a stable operating platform for the at least one robotic arm and for facilitating placement of a proximal end of the at least one robotic arm at a selected position about a periphery of the patient support table;
• a base station for operatively coupling the at least one robotic arm to the track system, the base station including
• a housing,
• a first connector for coupling the housing to the track system, the first connector configured for facilitating movement of the housing along the track system while coupled thereto, and
• a second connector for coupling the housing to the proximal end of the least one robotic arm, the second connector configured for providing at least one of power supply, control signalling, and data communication with respect to the coupled robotic arm;
• and
• a control unit for coupling to the base station and configured for dynamically connecting operative remote control between the coupled base station and a first operator console of the at least one operator console.