Skip to main content

Robots from Basel set to revolutionize surgery

| News

Robots from Basel set to revolutionize surgery

27.07.2020

The Werner Siemens Foundation is to invest an additional 12 million Swiss francs in the Miracle project. Researchers at the University of Basel are developing visionary technology for the use of robots in surgery within the framework of this project.

Robotic endoscope tip developed by the Miracle project (img: F. Brüderli)

The Miracle (Minimally Invasive Robot-Assisted Computer-guided LaserosteotomE) project is pursuing a number of different aims, as detailed in a press release issued by the University of Basel. These include planning an operation in virtual reality, high-precision bone cutting using a smart laser saw and using 3D-printed organic implants such as a new knee joint in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The development of the individually configurable robot needed for these applications is being supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation, which has increased its funding for the project by 12 million Swiss francs to an overall total of 27 million Swiss francs

The additional funding will be used during the second phase of the Miracle project, when the technologies developed in the first phase will be combined within a modular robot. “We are deeply grateful to the Werner Siemens Foundation for supporting our visionary project”, comments Philippe Cattin, Co-Director of both Miracle project phases and head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) at the University of Basel. The DBE is carrying out work related to the Miracle project at the Allschwil location of the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, which is operated and managed by the investment and innovation promotion agency Basel Area Business & Innovation. Unique opportunities will now be presented to Basel in its role as an innovation location. “Thanks to this financing and our expertise, we are now able to tap into huge opportunities that will open the door for robotics in surgery”, Cattin explains.

The technology developed during the first phase of the project for the planning of operations in virtual reality is already being used today. In phase two, it is to be used to help design the shape and composition of implants, with the aim thereafter being to custom manufacture these implants via a 3D printer. Cattin is therefore sharing leadership of this phase with Florian M. Thieringer, who is head of the 3D Print Lab at University Hospital Basel. “With Miracle, we don’t just want to develop a new technology but rather fully transform bone surgery,” explains Hans-Florian Zeilhofer, surgeon and Delegate for Innovation at the University of Basel, who was also Co-Director of the first project phase together with Philippe Cattin.

Share this article

Sign up to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

You may also be interested in

Nouscom secures 67.5 million euros in financing

Biotech company Nouscom has raised 67.5 million euros in a series C financing round. The Basel-based firm intends to use...
Read More

Celebrating six months of innovation: i4Challenge accelerator New Ideas 2022/2023

On the 5th of July 2023, the 3rd iteration of the i4Challenge accelerator program New Ideas came to its conclusion....
Read More

How open innovation in healthtech hubs is fueling the rise of digital healthcare

How the ever-increasing uptake of digital solutions is enhancing patient engagement, increasing access to care and lowering the cost of...
Read More

Paradigm shift in pain management

Pain is a crucial sensation for survival, but it can also drive us to depression and long-term suffering if not...
Read More

BOOM Summit in Basel accelerates health technology

The BOOM Summit at Messe Basel in April 2024 will be a completely new kind of healthcare conference. The first...
Read More

Investors stump up 3.7 million Swiss francs in Onena Medicines

Onena Medicines has secured an investment of 3.7 million Swiss francs. The portfolio company of the biotech startup incubator BaseLaunch...
Read More

Do you have a question? We'd like to hear from you.