Robotic surgery is an extension of laparoscopic surgery. Most people are familiar with laparoscopy. Surgery is performed by manipulating straight instruments while viewing the instruments on a monitor. Robotic surgery is the evolution of laparoscopy that addresses the drawbacks of laparoscopy.
One obstacle of laparoscopy is the loss of 3-D spatial relationships 
since
the 2-D monitor is used to operate. The da Vinci Surgical System
uses a laparoscope that is comprised of 2 cameras and lenses to provide
the surgeon with a true minimally invasive 3-D view of the surgical field
including depth of field, magnification and high resolution. 
Laparoscopic instruments have the feel of "chop sticks". The DaVinci Surgical Cart includes the EndoWrist® Instruments. The EndoWrist Instruments are designed to mimic the movement of the human hands, wrists and fingers. The extensive range of motion allows precision that is not available in standard minimally invasive procedures.
Laparoscopic surgery places the surgeon in an uncomfortable position that
can lead to a higher rate of surgical errors. The DaVinci Surgeon
Console
contains the master controls that the surgeon uses to manipulate the EndoWrist
instruments. The handles or “Masters” translate the surgeon's natural hand
and wrist movements into corresponding, precise and scaled movements. The
EndoWrist Instruments are only able to move when commanded by the surgeon.
There is a clutch that deactivates the instruments and allows the surgeon
to maintain a comfortable position at all times.