1st International Workshop on the Evolving Landscape of Surgical Robotics (ELSR 2025):
Towards AI-Powered Unconventional Instruments and Technologies in the Operating Theatre
May 19th, 2025, International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), Atlanta, United States
Location: International Ballroom E, Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
Videos from workshop can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@ASUMARGINLab
Robotic surgery is entering an exciting new era where robots are no longer simply mechanical tools under the direct control of a surgeon, but rather fully-fledged cyber-physical systems capable of collaborating with doctors to carry out complex procedures. Within this evolving landscape, unconventional surgical instruments such as lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound probes are taking an increasingly prominent role, promising to deliver unprecedented surgical precision and minimal patient trauma.
This workshop aims to bring together researchers from academia, industry, and the clinical world to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges presented by the introduction of unconventional instruments in robotic surgery. The main focus will be on the role of machine learning and AI in the modeling and control of these instruments, as well as the need for novel robotic designs to accommodate them, highlighting how these technologies can be integrated with surgical robotics to enhance precision, adaptability, and surgical outcomes. The workshop will feature invited talks, panel discussions, a rising star session, an unconventional surgical instrument demo session, and poster sessions.
Best Paper Award Finalists
Winner:
Yue, W., Xu, C., Yuan, W., Ren, H.
Miniature OCT-based Tactile Sensor for Concurrent Multimodal Contact Profiling in Robotic Intraluminal Palpation
Runner Up:
Wang, C., Liang, X., Shinde, N. U., Liu, F., Richter, F., Yip, M. C.
MEDiC: Autonomous Surgical Robotic Assistance to Maximizing Exposure for Dissection and Cautery
2nd Runner Up:
Gao, W., Srinivasan, N., Zhou, J., Su, H.
Compact Endoscopic Robot for Transnasal Surgery with Direct-Drive Electric Actuation and Ultra-Steerable Catheters
Best Poster Award Finalists
Winner:
Smith, A. D., Dullur, P., Naik, A., Pappu, S., Arnold, P., Hauser, K.
A Low-Cost Articulated Arm Navigation System for External Ventricular Drain Placement
Runner Up:
Yue, W., Xu, C., Yuan, W., Ren, H.
Miniature OCT-based Tactile Sensor for Concurrent Multimodal Contact Profiling in Robotic Intraluminal Palpation
2nd Runner Up:
Cook, C. B., Foust, J. S., Shi, H., Horstmeyer, R.
Mesoscopic Multi-Channel 3D Fluorescence Video for Robotic Surgery with Multi-Camera Arrays
Date: 19th May, 2025 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: International Ballroom E, Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Atlanta, GA 30303
Animech Garg,
Assistant Professor,
Georgia Institute of Technology
Gregory Fischer,
Professor,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Hao Su,
Associate Professor,
New York University
Hamid Marvi,
Associate Professor,
Arizona State University
Jie Ying Wu,
Assistant Professor,
Vanderbilt University
Ka-wai Kwok,
Professor,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Leonardo De Mattos, Permanent Researcher,
Italian Institute of Technology
Loris Fichera,
Assistant Professor,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Mark Draleos,
Assistant Professor,
University of Michigan
Michael Yip,
Associate Professor,
UC San Diego
Patrick Codd,
Associate Professor,
Duke University
Robert Webster,
Professor,
Vanderbilt University
Ron Alterovitz,
Professor,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Sabino Zani,
Associate Professor,
Duke University
Shan Lin,
Assistant Professor,
Arizona State University
The program has concluded, and this is for reference:
We invite submissions to ELSR 2025. Interested topics include but are not limited to:
· Unconventional Surgical Scalpels
· Novel Surgical Robot Designs
· AI, Deep Learning, and Foundation Models
· Multimodal Perception
· Beyond Imaging-based Sensors
· Surgical Simulation Frameworks
· Active Learning and Reinforcement Learning
· Safety Critical Planning and Control
· Surgical Robot Autonomy
· Surgeon-in-loop Systems
Submission Site: Submission Portal
Submission Deadline: April 13th, March 23rd, 2025, 11.59 PM UTC (Tentative)
Paper Format:
· Maximum of 3 pages (text, figures, tables, acknowledgment, and references).
· Papers should be submitted in PDF and follow the ICRA format.
· Authors may submit their preliminary and unpublished results or a summary of their recently published or accepted work for wider dissemination.
All authors of accepted papers will present their work in a poster session. Awards will be given to the selected submissions in the best paper and best poster categories!
Showcase your research at our upcoming workshop! Two selected candidates will be invited to present a 15-minute talk on their work.
Submission Site: Submission Portal
Submission Deadline: April 13th, March 23rd, 2025, 11.59 PM UTC (Tentative)
Note: Rising star applications do not necessarily require keywords and abstracts. Please fill in 'N/A' as a placeholder in the above sections.
Application Materials:
· Resume
· Research statement (maximum 3 pages)
Don't miss this opportunity to share your ideas and connect with leaders in the field!
The workshop includes organizers affiliated with the following institutions:
