Submissions for our annual Surgical Robot Challenge are now closed. The challenge will run again 2025 and calls will be announced in November 2024.
This global competition draws participation from top surgical robotics groups worldwide, providing a platform to unveil inventive concepts across various surgical robot platforms.
While applications are open to diverse focus areas, submissions should highlight innovation, practical application, and thoughtful design in showcasing how robots can enhance surgical procedures. The ultimate goal is to contribute to quicker recovery times, smaller scars, reduced blood loss, diminished pain, earlier return to work, and shorter hospital stays.
Applications will be assessed on the following areas:
- Application
- Innovation
- Design
There will be an online award ceremony in April/May (date TBC) and the winning teams will be given free registration to attend the Hamlyn Symposium on 26-27th June.
New for 2024: We will also invite a selection of the most visually compelling demos (not necessarily the winning entries) to the symposium to showcase their entry! Those invited will be granted free registration to the symposium.
Entries are encouraged to incorporate a newly developed aspect, building upon existing ideas. While submissions are ideally expected to manifest as final working prototypes, the judging panel will also evaluate designs and plans. The emphasis is on introducing innovative elements to enhance the overall concept, whether through advancements in functionality, efficiency, or other relevant criteria.
We welcome applications from institutions globally, and all applicants must have affiliations with academic organizations. While we do accept applications from the industry, it is imperative that they collaborate with an academic institution to be eligible for consideration. This collaborative approach ensures a synergistic relationship between academic and industrial expertise in the submitted applications.
All applicants are asked to submit:
- online entry form (below);
- a 2-minute video demo of their entry;
- a 5-slide powerpoint presentation.
Please note the video time and presentation slide limits are strictly enforced.
Deadline for applications now extended: 23:59 GMT 31st March 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Please contact Marianne Knight if you have any further questions not covered here.
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Winners 2023
Best Application
Haptic assistance for improving skill transfer in surgical robotics training, NEARLab-MRS, Politecnico di Milano
Best Design
MERODES – The Medical Robot Device System, Imaging Robotics, Innovation Center Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS)
Best Innovation
Cardiothread, a living, beating heart cell suture for cardiac repair, Biotechnology, Oxnard College, California
All 2023 entries can be viewed here.