Surgical tools such as scalpels, forceps, grippers, retractors and drills are being embedded with miniature sensors to provide real-time information and added functionality to aid surgeons. Surgeons can be given continuous data on the force and performance of their instruments, the tissue type about to be cut (i.e. cartilage, bone, muscle, vascular, etc) and specific tissue properties, such as density, temperature, pressure, and electrical impulses.

Verimetra is developing an enhanced version of its Data Knife with logic and surgical micro-electromechanical systems that can provide added information and functionality to assist a surgeon during a procedure by stimulating electrodes, measuring and cutting with ultrasonic elements, and cauterizing.

Instruments are being developed with specific functionality like tilt and pressure to allow neurosurgeons to perform operating tasks with greater precision and safety.

Nanoparticles are also being investigated for optically guiding surgery. This can potentially allow for better removal of lesioned or diseased sites, including tumors.