MRC-Hamlyn Workshop: Hands-on Translational Surgical Robotics
The MRC–Hamlyn workshop provides an immersive, practice-focused learning experience linking advances in robotic surgery with clinical application. The programme combines targeted technical and clinical briefings with structured hands-on sessions, enabling participants to develop both theoretical understanding and practical competence in robotic-assisted procedures.
Participants perform surgical tasks using robotic systems on ex-vivo tissue models in a safe, controlled environment that reflects operative conditions. Training emphasises operative workflows, procedural decision-making, and the practical integration of robotic technologies into established surgical practice, including their impact on precision, ergonomics, and intraoperative strategy.
Hands-on sessions cover laparoscopic, endoluminal, and maxillofacial procedures developed by MRC and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), offering exposure to robotic interventions across both soft and hard tissues. This breadth highlights the versatility of robotic platforms while guided practice supports the development of instrument control, spatial awareness, and effective tissue handling.
Overall, the workshop builds procedural confidence, enhances technical proficiency, and deepens understanding of how robotic systems support complex surgical tasks in research, training, and clinical contexts.
Programme
| 08:15 | Registration & Coffee | |
| 08:45 | Introduction - Opening Session | Prof. Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena & Prof. Samuel Au Kwok Wai |
| 09:30 | Keynote 1 | Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO, Noah Medical Corporation |
| 10:00 | “Hybrid Surgery Session” (with interactive Q&A) Hands-On Mandible Fracture Reduction with the High-Stiffness Articulated
| Demo Session 1 — Ex vivo demo (beamed in from White City to LT) |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 | “Endoluminal Surgery Session” (with interactive Q&A) Robot-assisted En-bloc Resection of Bladder Tumours (ERBT) with the
| Demo Session 2 — Ex vivo demo (beamed in from White City to LT) |
| 11:30 | “AI Session” - International challenge on surgical robot autonomy in real-world settings
| Demo Session 3 —In vitro demo (beamed from teams’ local sites to LT) |
| 12:30 | Lunch Break | |
| 13:30 | Keynote 2 | Prof. Koon Ho Rha, Clinical Professor in Urology and Robotic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine Director, Naver Healthcare Research Institute |
| 14:00 | “Remote Surgery Session” (with interactive Q&A)
| Demo Session 4 — Ex vivo demo (beamed in from Keele to LT) |
| 14:30 | “Remote Surgery Session”
| Demo Session 5 —In vitro demo (beamed from Zurich to LT) |
| 15:00 | Coffee Break & Demo Session in Map Room | |
| 15:30 | “AI Session” -“Intelligent Robotic Ultrasound in Action” TUM Demo
| Demo Session 6 —In vitro demo in Map Room, RGS |
| 16:00 | Roundtable Discussion | One representative from each of the six demo teams, plus moderator |
| 17:00 | Workshop Ends | |
Demos to be shown during the workshop
In partnership with:
We are pleased to offer the workshop as part of this year’s symposium ticket. Although the cost is included within the overall symposium fee, separate registration for the workshop is required. If you would like to attend, please indicate this during registration so we can keep an accurate record of numbers.