ARAKNES stems from the innovative idea to transfer the technologies of bi-manual laparoscopic surgery to the endoluminal surgical approach, thus further reducing the operative trauma and enhancing the therapeutic outcome of minimally invasive surgical procedures for morbid obesity and gastro-esophageal reflux. The worldwide number of bypass surgeries for obesity is predicted to rise up to 1.3 million by 2015, hence the social and industrial impact of ARAKNES is considerable. In particular, European health-systems can benefit from major reductions in costs and hospitalisation periods, the effects of which translate directly to improvements in the quality of life for many EU citizens.Through SandT excellence in micro-robotics and micro-system technologies, ARAKNES will facilitate the combination of current state-of-the-art and breakthrough innovations focusing on integrated micro-nano-bio-info devices. Specifically ARAKNESS will exploit the convergence of:- established laparoscopic techniques;- over 20 years of clinical experience with robotic and computer assisted surgery;- the maturity of micro-, nano- and bio-technologies;- the trend towards wireless, wearable and swallowable devices.This combination enables the conception of a comprehensive micro-robotic based smart operating system for advanced endoluminal surgery, which will reform established endoluminal techniques.The objectives and impact of ARAKNES are broad and ambitious. Consequently, they require a 4-year European project in the format of an IP managed by a strong and committed Consortium. The ARAKNES Consortium is a unique blend of European pioneers in all the involved disciplines (surgery, robotics, information technologies, micro- and nano-technologies) which have the vision, the commitment and the capabilities to make ARAKNES successful in terms of scientific innovation, industrial demonstrations and, ultimately, clinical application.