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ANDROMEDA

Andromeda drill operation

Autonomno robotsko bušenje za medicinske primjene

The ANDROMEDA project is developing a new autonomous robotic drilling technology for neurosurgery with the aim of increasing the precision, safety and efficiency of surgical procedures. Today's manual bone drilling techniques, especially in craniotomy, carry a number of challenges and risks, even for the most skilled surgeons. Limitations of human precision, physical fatigue and variability of procedures are additional reasons for the development of autonomous solutions.

This project conducts scientific research at the lowest Technology Readiness Level (TRL1), engineering design and laboratory validation (TRL4), with the aim of proving innovative concepts of robotic kinematic structures and advanced control models. The goal is to develop a system that controls force, duration and precise positioning of instruments during a surgical procedure.

Project description

Kod projekta: NPOO.C3.2.R3-I1.04.0097
Implementation period: 01.07.2024. – 30.06.2026.
Total project amount: 1.688.211,86 EUR
EU sufinanciranje projekta: 1.450.872,27 EUR
Project coordinator: RONNA MEDICAL d.o.o.
Partner: Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje

Goals

  • Improve surgical precision and safety through automation of the drilling process, reducing human error and increasing the consistency of the procedure
  • Enable less experienced surgeons performing complex tasks such as craniotomy with the help of autonomous technology
  • Develop management software which uses real-time sensors for optimal control of the robotic system
  • Generate data and empirical evidence through laboratory testing, thus supporting the acceptance of this technology among medical professionals
  • Lay the foundation for application in other surgical areas, allowing the technology to expand beyond neurosurgery
  • Contribute to the scientific community by publishing results in relevant international journals

Innovation and significance

Autonomous drilling represents a significant step forward in medical robotics. Unlike traditional robotic systems that require human control, this project develops technology that autonomously performs surgical procedures using:

  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • machine learning
  • computer vision
  • sensor systems
  • algorithms for precise control

This technology will allow the robotic system to interpret and respond in real time without the need for human intervention.

Methodology

The project includes:

  • Basic and applied research
  • Development and testing of prototypes
  • Engineering design and laboratory validation in simulated conditions
  • Selection and testing of sensors (force, torque, temperature, position)
  • Optimization of kinematic structures and drilling strategies

In the final phase, the project will result in a prototype of a collaborative robot with a smart surgical tool for autonomous drilling.

Partners and cooperation

The project brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts from:

  • Ronna Medical – industrial partner with experience in medical robotics
  • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) – scientific and technical expertise
  • Neurosurgeons Prof. Dr. Sc. Darko Chudy, Dr. Sc. Domagoj Dlaka, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Marina Raguž – clinical validation and experience in working with robotic systems

This collaboration strengthens the research capacities of the partners and connects industry with the academic community.

Gallery

Potential risks and mitigation measures

Technical challenges – are solved through careful selection of components, iterative design and an expert team
Regulatory and ethical aspects – the project follows all relevant guidelines and legal regulations and cooperates with regulatory authorities from the beginning
Financial constraints – it is planned to secure funds through funds, cooperation and optimization of resources

Expected results and impacts

  • Development of autonomous drilling system for complex neurosurgical procedures
  • Support for doctors in specialized procedures, regardless of experience level
  • Improvement surgical safety and effectiveness
  • Basis for application of technology in a wider range of medical procedures
  • Collecting valuables empirical data for future research
  • Increasing acceptance autonomous surgery in clinical practice

Team members

Conclusion

Project ANDROMEDA has the potential to set new standards in surgical practice.
By connecting cutting-edge science, engineering and medicine, we are developing technology that can make complex surgeries safer and more accessible – for both surgeons and patients around the world.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with Ministry of Science and Education and Croatian Science Foundation, and is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

The project was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund
The website was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.
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