Grant: Project Grant

Over the past 3 decades, surgical robots have entered the operating room for tele-surgery whereby the surgeon is relocated to an adjacent workstation and commands the remote robot. The team at Project neuroArm pioneered the development and translation of one such robotic system called neuroArm. In telesurgery, a workstation with haptic device is a critical element, whereby the primary surgeon establishes an intimate interaction with the remote robot located at the patient/surgical site. This team has gone on to create a unique microsurgery-specific handcontroller for telesurgery and manipulations. To deliver such an advanced technology to market for improved safety, learning and performance, this proposal will build a commercial grade, regulatory approved workstation for precise tele-operations in clinics, labs or industry. Recreating human senses - touch (sensors), vision (3D monitors) and sound (operating room connectivity), are crucial to an immersive workstation. Recent advances in software, sensors and big data, have allowed incorporation of machine learning into such a robotic paradigm. In addition, contemporary data science has ensured secure methodologies for analytics and cloud computing. Innovations in control and precise machining further provide advanced system control, modular design, procedure-specific toolsets and better manoeuvrability. In order to transform such a prototype to a commercialization ready product, this team will implement regulatory compliance in development of software, hardware, machine learning, cloud computing, validation and testing. To accelerate the commercialization process, OrbSurgical Ltd., an Alberta-based company, together with its established partnerships, will spearhead high volume manufacture, economy of scale, distribution and services.