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According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, an alarming 16.9 million lives are lost each year due to conditions where surgical intervention is necessary, making up almost one-third of global fatalities. This statistic underscores the urgent need for an additional 320 million surgical procedures to bridge a significant gap in healthcare access.
One promising solution to this crisis is the development of remote surgical robotics, which enables top-tier surgeons to perform complex surgeries from virtually any location. This innovative approach relies on a sophisticated network of robotic systems, robust communication infrastructure, and advanced real-time control mechanisms.
Despite considerable progress in robotic surgery, several technical challenges continue to hinder widespread adoption. Issues such as latency, network reliability, the evolution of AI-driven haptic feedback systems, data security, privacy concerns, and the need for scalable integration remain significant obstacles to overcome.
Those interested in the future of surgical technology can gain invaluable insights at the upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo scheduled for April 30 and May 1, 2025, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will feature a panel discussion highlighting advancements in AI and machine learning that facilitate remote surgery. Key speakers will include Darren Porras, market development manager of healthcare at RTI, and Tom Amlicke, technical director of robotics at MedAcuity.
A key session titled “Advancing Remote Surgery: Tackling Latency, Precision, and Security Issues” will delve into innovative solutions addressing the technical challenges faced by the field. Attendees will witness a demonstration showcasing an integrated multi-vendor system utilizing commercial software to manage data between a remote controller and robotic arm. This demonstration will emphasize the use of data-centric architecture designed to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Expert Insights into Remote Surgery
Darren Porras brings over two decades of experience in medical device innovation and product development. Before his current position, he served as the program manager for surgical robotics at Medtronic. Porras has also held senior roles in program management and software development at Philips Healthcare and Integra Radionics, where he contributed to advancements in medical imaging and image-guided surgical techniques, along with a focus on cybersecurity.
Porras earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Duke University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Tom Amlicke, a software architect and robotics systems engineer at MedAcuity, also boasts over 20 years of experience in embedded and application-level development. He has played a pivotal role in various robotics projects, guiding the entire development process for mobile and surgical robotic systems.
Amlicke employs model-based design methodologies using MATLAB and Simulink, along with traditional programming languages like C++, Python, C#, and Java, in the design of these systems. He has integrated technologies such as ROS, ROS 2, DDS, and CAN in developing robust robotic solutions.
About the Robotics Summit & Expo
The 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo is expected to attract a diverse audience of over 5,000 participants focused on the evolving landscape of robotic technologies across various industries. The summit aims to provide attendees with insights into pioneering technologies, best engineering practices, and emerging industry trends.
Keynote speakers will share their expertise and vision for the robotics industry, while the agenda includes more than 50 educational sessions across various tracks including AI, design and development, healthcare, and logistics. An Engineering Theater located on the expo floor will feature presentations from leading industry experts.
With over 200 exhibitors in the expo hall, the event will showcase the latest technologies, products, and services available to robotics engineers at every stage of development.
Additionally, the Robotics Summit will host numerous networking opportunities, along with events such as a Career Fair, and the prestigious RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala.
Co-located with the summit is DeviceTalks Boston, which celebrates its 10th anniversary as the leading event for medical technology professionals, drawing participants from across the healthcare and medical technology sectors.
Registration is currently open.
Source
www.therobotreport.com