For the MIRO Innovation Lab at DLR, a new chapter is beginning with the launch of the ERICH project. Together with the MedTech company Symphera and CEED, the MedTech consultancy unit of Charité Berlin, a research project has started, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

The project focuses on advancing instrument capabilities for robotic-assisted procedures. Specifically, it addresses how surgical instruments can be handled more easily in minimally invasive surgery in the future. To test new approaches directly in practice, the project involves close collaboration with clinical teams, with developments tested directly in real surgical environments.

The parties involved complement each other with their different areas of expertise: while DLR, as one of Germany’s leading robotics research institutions, contributes engineering know-how, CEED, as Charité Berlin’s consultancy unit, provides clinical expertise.

This makes the project a further, concrete step toward more efficient instrument handling in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery.