Description of impact
The Medical Robotics group focuses on the research and development of robotic systems aimed at enhancing surgical procedures and facilitating tissue and organ transplantations. This involves diverse disciplines, including but not limited to machine design, shape sensing, robot control, and human tissue modeling.We actively participate in interdisciplinary research collaborations involving (electro)mechanical engineers, biomedical engineers, and clinicians. These partnerships extend beyond the university setting and involve collaboration with industrial partners, collectively working towards the development of the next generation of advanced medical robots.
There are currently two main projects running in the Medical Robotics group:
Interventional robotic system: The goal of this project is to develop innovative solutions to enhance the precision and efficiency of lung biopsies. Performing biopsies on a dynamic organ such as the lung poses unique challenges, particularly in dealing with the patient's respiratory movements during the procedure. The design and control of the robotic system must account for these natural motions to ensure accurate and safe biopsy procedures. Therefore, we research novel design and control techniques, such as advanced motion compensation to deal with this challenge.
Robotic bioreactors: The goal of this project is to develop the next generation of bioreactors to maintain transplantable organs in optimal conditions for extended durations before transplantation. This project aims to address the critical need for prolonged organ preservation, particularly in the context of organ shortages and logistical challenges in transplantation. Therefore, research is conducted on the design level to develop a robotic bioreactor capable of simulating and maintaining
physiological conditions essential for prolonged organ viability. On the control level, research focuses on automated monitoring systems within the bioreactor to continuously assess and regulate environmental parameters crucial for organ preservation. Our interdisciplinary approach seeks to bridge the gap between engineering and medicine, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding the possibilities in both surgical interventions and organ transplantation.
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