The Surgical Robot Challenge awards will be part of The Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics. Source: EPSRC UK-RAS Network
LONDON — The EPSRC UK-RAS Network this week invited the world’s top surgical robotics groups to submit their innovative ideas to the fifth annual Surgical Robot Challenge, hosted by The Hamlyn Centre.
The U.K. Robotics and Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS) Network was founded in 2015 to provide academic leadership and expand collaboration with industry. It integrates and coordinates activities at eight RAS capital facilities funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), four Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), and 28 partner universities across the U.K.
The Hamlyn Centre focuses on technological innovation, but with a strong emphasis on clinical translation and direct patient benefits with global impacts. It promotes interdisciplinary research in imaging, sensing, and robotics to address global health challenges associated with demographic, environmental, social, and economic changes. The Hamlyn Centre is one of the Institute of Global Health Innovation’s (IGHI’s) research centers.
Surgical Robot Challenge sponsors and requirements
The first Surgical Robot Challenge took place in June 2015 and has recognized pioneering developments across a range of surgical robotics applications. Its goal is to foster collaboration, share resources, and tackle the most complex technical and clinical challenges in robotic surgery.
The challenge has prize fund of 10,000 GBP ($13,000 U.S.), and its sponsors include Intuitive Surgical, KUKA, and Applied Dexterity. The 2020 Surgical Robot Challenge will showcase new ideas across a range of surgical robot platforms, said the EPSRC UK-RAS Network.
Demonstration at a past Surgical Robot Challenge at the Hamlyn Symposium. Source: UK-RAS Network
The network invited applicants to submit a two-minute preview video, and shortlisted entries will be asked to present live demonstrations at the challenge finals as part of the Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics in London. A prestigious panel of experts will judge the entries.
Here are key dates for the Surgical Robot Challenge 2020:
- Deadline for entries: Monday, March 16
- Shortlisted applicants notified: Monday, March 30
- Deadline for final video submission: Friday, May 29
- Live demonstrations: Saturday, June 20
- Award Ceremony: Friday, June 26
The winning team will be announced during the award ceremony held as part of the International Robotics Showcase on June 26 – the highlight event of UK Robotics Week 2020. The Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics will be on June 20-23 at The Hamlyn Centre.
“The Surgical Robot Challenge has become a highly-anticipated event in the global robotics community calendar, and a cornerstone of UK Robotics Week itself,” stated Prof. Robert Richardson, chair of the EPSRC UK-RAS Network. “This inspiring competition offers a unique preview of the most exciting innovations in surgical robotics, and we look forward to welcoming team submissions from across the world.”
The challenge is open for entries from now until March 16, 2020. Full details and how to enter can be found at the EPSRC UR-RAS Network Web site.
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