In order to solve the problems of the current minimally invasive treatment tools, we conducted research and development of a thin grasping forceps with a manually operated grasping mechanism mounted on the tip. The design specification and the basic structure of the forceps were investigated, and the grasping mechanism was made into a single metal structure, which was opened and closed by wire drive. A detailed design of the grasping mechanism was carried out using 3D CAD, and structural analysis was performed to confirm that the required specifications, strength, and deformation could be achieved. Using Ti-Ni shape memory alloy as a material, we were able to fabricate the gripping mechanism from a single part by wire EDM. We conducted driving and motion experiments of the fabricated grasping mechanism, and confirmed that the grasping function, grasping force, response, and durability were sufficient. From the verification experiments, we found the problems and discussed the solutions.

International shipping is essential for people’s lives and national production in the oceanic state Japan. Compared to airplanes, ocean-going ships can navigate independently for a long period of time, but the speed of ships is much slower than airplanes. In Japan, maritime radio medical consultation service has been operated since 1970, and education and certification of health supervisors as a paramedic on the ocean-going ship are continuing since 1962. However medical resources on board are not yet sufficient. There exist many application fields of computer aided surgery in the maritime medical care. Outlines and problems of maritime medical care are presented in this paper.

The Japanese Society of Computer Aided Surgery established the Diversity Promotion Committee in 2021 and started systematic efforts for gender equality (equity) and diversity. In this paper, we introduce the current status of the society and review its efforts to date. It also explores the efforts of medical and engineering societies, STEM societies, international societies, the medical device industry, and government agencies. Finally, we introduce specific examples of sex bias in the research and development of drugs and medical devices in basic and clinical research. The field of computer aided surgery is a fusion of medicine and engineering, and the scale of the society is small. Therefore, it is necessary to further promote cooperation with other medical and engineering societies as well as industry and government, in addition to independent efforts.