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Interventional
Robotics
Laboratory
The Interventional Robotics Laboratory (IRL) at the University of Akron pioneers research at the intersection of robotics, imaging, and healthcare innovation, with the goal of enabling safer, smarter, and more effective surgical interventions.
Our Projects
Our current research explores robotic orthopedic surgery, MRI-guided prostate biopsy and therapy, semi-robotic laparoscopic and arthroscopic systems, tactile feedback for remote care, and soft robotics for surgical and assistive applications.
Each project reflects our commitment to advancing minimally invasive techniques and next generation medical tools.
Explore positions or collaborations.
Research Interests
Image Guided Intervention
Utilizing advanced MRI-guided navigation combined with robotic guidance, this system ensures precise localization and targeting during interventional procedures. It facilitates accurate positioning of percutaneous instruments, optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.
Target applications: MRI guided cancer biopsy and focal treatments
Soft Robotics for Healthcare
Flexible, wearable, detachable, implantable, and embedded soft robotic devices designed to support patient rehabilitation, enhance physical therapy outcomes, and augment human physical performance. These innovative robotic systems seamlessly integrate with human anatomy, providing gentle, adaptable assistance for patients undergoing rehabilitation, prosthetic users, and athletes aiming to enhance performance and recovery.
Target applications: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, prosthetics, sports
Robotic Orthopedic Surgery
Miniature bone-attached robot provides precise removal of damaged tissue for personalized implantation, and harvests in-tact autograft donor for transplantation.
Target applications: Focal and total joint replacement surgery
Semi-Robotic Laparoscopy and Arthroscopy
A compact, portable surgical assistance system designed to deliver essential robotic surgical benefits in resource-constrained or remote settings. This semi-robotic tool enhances surgical precision, stability, and control, making minimally invasive laparoscopic and arthroscopic procedures possible even in environments without comprehensive surgical infrastructure.
Target applications: Laparoscopic surgery, arthroscopy
Medical Expertise Pooling
Maximizes healthcare resources by aggregating specialized medical expertise through advanced tele-sensing and remote robotic manipulation. By remotely connecting healthcare providers, it facilitates the rapid transfer of specialized knowledge, improving the quality of care available in rural, underserved, or emergency contexts.
Target applications: MRI guided cancer biopsy and focal treatments
Tactile Display
Maximizes healthcare resources by aggregating specialized medical expertise through advanced tele-sensing and remote robotic manipulation. By remotely connecting healthcare providers, it facilitates the rapid transfer of specialized knowledge, improving the quality of care available in rural, underserved, or emergency contexts.
Target applications: Rural health, emergency medicine
Recent Projects
MRI-guided Targeted Prostate Biopsy
Development of an MRI guided targeted biopsy system for prostate cancer diagnosis. We implement device-to-image registration free approach to minimize procedure time and technical complexity. Ultimate goal is to enable single visit definitive prostate cancer diagnosis.
Robotic Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation
A robotic orthopedic surgery with a novel extraction mechanism that can precisely remove a damaged area from joints and transplant healthy cartilage-bone tissue from non-weight-bearing area.
Template Design Optimization for Core Needle Biopsy
Various needle guide templates are used to guide core needle biopsies. Some result in better quality tissue samples than others. This study is to characterize and optimize guided biopsy gun operation.
Novel Double-Disc Mechanism Needle Guide
A robotic needle guide for MRI-guided prostate biopsy. The robot’s novel mechanism provides 4-DOF needle guide with a compact design comparable to manual templates.
Tele Tactile Display
Touch is an importance component of medicine and still lacking in telemedicine. This project is to develop mechanism and material to create tactile display with controllable hardness.
Semi-robotic laparoscopic surgery system
Robotic laparoscopic surgery became widely available. However, a far simpler system that can provide few critical functions could also be used for simpler procedures. This project is to develop a portable laparoscopy support system.
Opportunities
Explore how students and collaborators can engage in innovative research,
academic programs, and summer initiatives at IRL.
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Parking & Arrival
We are located in the Auburn Science and Engineering Center (ASEC).
Park at Computer Center
Closest visitor parking. Buy your pass before you arrive.
Navigate to ASEC 108B
If you’re a prospective graduate student, please apply through the university’s admissions portal.