Brake release for surgical robot

A release device configured to disengage a brake mechanism of a robot, the release device comprising:

• a release device body configured to removably couple to the robot;
• a switch positioned within the release device body;
• a power supply for providing power positioned within the release device body;
• and
• an electrical interface electrically connected to the power supply and configured to provide an electrical connection between the power supply and the brake mechanism when the release device body is coupled with the robot,
• wherein the brake mechanism is configured to be selectively controlled by the power supply in response to activation of the switch, to disengage the brake mechanism and permit actuation of a joint of a robotic arm of the robot.

A method of operating a robot, the method comprising:

• disengaging a brake mechanism of a robotic joint of a robotic arm via power independent of a control system of the robot, the power being provided by a secondary power source, the secondary power source being contained within one or more of the following:
• a body removably coupled with the robot, the body further including a switch coupled with the secondary power source, or
• the robotic arm;
• and
• permitting actuation of the robotic joint in response to disengaging the brake mechanism from the robotic joint.

A robot comprising:

• a robotic arm including a robotic joint, the robotic arm including a release device mount;
• a brake assembly movable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, the brake assembly limiting actuation of the robotic joint in the engaged configuration and permitting actuation of the robotic joint in the disengaged configuration;
• a power supply for providing power, the power supply being contained within one or more of the following:
• the robotic arm, or
• a release device body configured to removably couple to the release device mount;
• and
• an interface electrically connected to the power supply and configured to provide an electrical connection between the power supply and the brake assembly.