Member Login

Project

Project 2.6: Right Tech/Right Task – Optimal Technology Determination for Specific Applications

Lead researcher

Project based at

Lead Partner Organisation

Overview

Robot-assisted surgeries (RAS) hold significant promise for improving surgical precision and efficiency, particularly in complex procedures like revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) and orthopaedic surgeries. However, challenges remain in optimising the integration of robotic systems into surgical workflows. The Stryker Prototype Framework addresses these challenges by providing a structured approach for enhancing human-robot interaction (HRI) in RAS. Specifically, this framework is designed to be an internal tool for Stryker, enabling the exploration of new robotic specialisations and evaluating the design of robotic surgical platforms. 

The framework builds on data from workshops, interviews with surgical professionals, and analysis of existing resources, such as surgical videos. This allows the framework to incorporate practical insights into the design process. Key research focuses include understanding how workspace constraints and surgical personnel’s experiences influence the use of robotic systems and identifying effective design tools for creating intuitive robotic interfaces. 

This project aims to advance surgical robotics by exploring practical solutions to existing challenges in rTHA and orthopaedic surgeries. By facilitating collaboration between engineers, researchers, and surgeons, the framework supports the development of robotic systems that improve precision, reduce inefficiencies, and align with the needs of surgical teams. 

Outcomes

The project aims to deliver a robust prototyping framework that enables Stryker to explore, identify, and evaluate challenges, opportunities, and gaps in surgical workflows for alternative robotic platforms. This includes refining our understanding of how robotic systems can better support surgical teams during complex procedures. By providing tools to define and assess these challenges systematically, the framework serves as a foundation for informed decision-making in the development of robotic surgical applications.

Additionally, the project aims for the ability to determine new applications for Stryker’s Mako robot and other assistive technologies. The project will not only facilitate the identification of opportunities for expanding the capabilities of existing robotic systems but also guide the evaluation of these opportunities in real-world surgical environments. Furthermore, the project aims to demonstrate a clear, scalable approach for applying this framework within Stryker, ensuring its practical relevance and utility for addressing the evolving needs of surgical professionals.

From Adobe Stock by Medical Works.

 

This project also includes Amber Fox, Stryker R&D Marketing.  


Project team

Tom Williamson

Industry Partner
Stryker
View Bio

Valeria Macalupú

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Human-Robot-Interaction Program)
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio

James Dwyer

PhD Researcher
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio

Stine S. Johansen

Alumni (Previously Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Human-Robot-Interaction Program))
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio

Jared Donovan

Research Program Co-lead (Human-Robot Interaction program)
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio

Markus Rittenbruch

Research Program Co-lead (Human-Robot Interaction program)
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio

Jonathan Roberts

Centre Director
Queensland University of Technology
View Bio