Abstract

This workshop will discuss the frontier challenges and advancements in robotic soft tissue manipulation. Safe operation of tissues is one the most common types of general surgical procedures, whose automation is essential to further enhance precision, reliability, and safety in robotic surgery. Soft tissue manipulation in robotic surgery has made significant strides in recent years; however, challenges remain in achieving consistent, reliable manipulation due to soft tissue’s inherent complexities, such as non-linear elasticity and varying mechanical properties across tissues and patients.

In this workshop, we would like to make discussions on several critical areas: 

1. Accurate Modeling & Simulation: developing modelling methods that can achieve robust, reliable simulation and prediction of tissue deformation

2. Real-Time Sensing & Interaction: developing advanced sensing capabilities for real-time tissue tracking and interaction

3. Robust Control Strategies: developing adaptive and robust control systems that can handle unpredictable tissue interactions in dynamic surgical environments

4. Robot Design: designing flexible and effective robotic tools capable of interacting with soft tissues safely and delicately

5. Enhanced Decision-Making Capability: developing AI-based approaches to enhance scene understanding and decision-making, and helping robots adapt to tissue properties and surgical conditions

By bringing together experts from diverse fields such as robotics, control theory, medical imaging, machine learning, materials science, and clinical practice, this workshop aims to foster idea exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration in this research area. The workshop will attract participants career stages, offering opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange, ultimately contributing to the advancement of robotic surgery and improved healthcare advances. 

* * *  The arrangement details of the workshop is at the bottom of this page  * * *