Developing a Robotic Surgery Training System for Wide Accessibility and Research

May23Fri

Developing a Robotic Surgery Training System for Wide Accessibility and Research

Fri, 23/05/2025 - 14:00 to 14:30

Location:

Speaker: 
Walid Shaker
Affiliation: 
HWU
Synopsis: 

Robotic surgery represents a major breakthrough in medical interventions, which has revolutionized surgical procedures. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of robotic surgery systems pose significant challenges for training purposes. This study addresses these issues by developing a cost-effective robotic laparoscopy training system that closely replicates advanced robotic surgery setups to ensure broad access for both on-site and remote users. Key innovations include the design of a low-cost robotic end-effector that effectively mimics high-end laparoscopic instruments. Additionally, a digital twin platform was established, facilitating detailed simulation, testing, and real-time monitoring, which enhances both system development and deployment. The system also features haptic feedback, allowing users to perceive force interactions and build the tactile sensitivity required for delicate tissue manipulation and precise control of surgical instruments. Overall, the proposed system provides an affordable, effective platform to enhance surgical training and support wider adoption of robotic techniques in healthcare.

Biography: 

Walid Shaker is a PhD researcher in Robotic Surgery at Heriot-Watt University, where he is currently developing a teleoperated system for robotic surgery training. His academic background includes a Master’s in Robotics and Computer Vision (Summa Cum Laude, 2021–2023) from Innopolis University, Russia, and a Bachelor’s in Mechatronics Engineering (Highest Honors, 2021) from Nile University, Egypt—both earned through full scholarships and with academic distinctions. Walid’s research spans several domains in robotics. His doctoral work focuses on developing cost-effective robotic surgical training setup that enables haptic feedback. During his MSc, he worked on trajectory optimization for robot-based incremental sheet forming, and his undergraduate work involved the design and development of a 6DOF assistive robotic manipulator. In addition to his research, Walid works as a tutor at Heriot-Watt University, supporting undergraduate education in robotics and engineering. He also brings industry experience from his role as a senior robotics engineer at the Innopolis Autonomous Technologies Center. His list of academic publications can be found here: Google Scholar.

Institute: