Bipolar electrosurgical forceps for use with a robotic surgical system. Electrodes on a first grasping jaw member align with corresponding electrodes on a second jaw member, allowing localized energy to seal tissue between the first and second jaw members. The first jaw member has an open centerline slot, exposing the tissue in the slot. The exposed tissue enables a second, similar forceps to be used with an opposing arm to treat the tissue in the slot. In embodiments, the precise motion of the robotic arms supporting the first and second forceps guides a distal tip electrode of the second forceps precisely within the open centerline slot of the first forceps to treat tissue. In this manner, the complex assemblies and control systems associated with moving blades of conventional electrosurgical forceps are eliminated.
