Title

Biomedical Robotics

Creating intelligent machines to assist, heal, and enhance human capabilities.

Overview

The Biomedical Robotics research area at the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering focuses on designing and developing robotic systems that enhance physical capabilities in healthcare.

Our work merges mechanical design, control systems, sensing technologies, computing, and biomechanics to create smart robotic platforms for surgical assistance, rehabilitation, human augmentation, and beyond.

Research Focus

Our interdisciplinary research covers the following areas:  

  • Medical Robotics: Feedback-enabled systems for robot-assisted surgery.
  • Soft Robotics and Haptic Interfaces: Developing flexible, interactive robotic components.
  • Human-Robot Interaction: Enhancing safety and performance in clinical environments.
  • Machine Learning and Control: Intelligent robotic adaptation to dynamic conditions.
  • Wearable Devices: Smart systems for rehabilitation, training, and injury prevention.
  • Biomechanics and Tissue Modeling: Understanding human motion and tissue behavior for improved robotic integration.
  • Neurointegrated Prosthetics: Developing prosthetic devices controlled by neural signals.

Application Areas

  • Robot-Assisted Surgery: Precision-guided systems for minimally invasive procedures
  • Rehabilitation Robotics: Devices to support motor recovery and therapy
  • Wearable Robotics: Enhancing movement for patients and workers in demanding environments
  • Prosthetic Devices: Neuroadaptive prosthetics that restore natural limb function
  • Caregiving Robots: Robotic aids to support elderly or disabled individuals in daily tasks.
Sections
Research Facilities and Laboratories

Our research is supported by cutting-edge facilities, including:

  • Biomedical Systems and Robotics Laboratory: Designing assistive and surgical robotic systems
  • Human Augmentation Research Lab: Developing wearable robotics and prosthetic technologies.
  • Center for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (Georgia Tech): Multidisciplinary research in robotics, AI, and control systems
Photo of Leslie Chan and graduate student Vishal Manickam
Collaborative Partnerships

Our work is strengthened by partnerships with clinical and research institutions, including:

  • Emory University School of Medicine: Clinical translation of robotic systems
  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA): Pediatric applications for robotic interventions
  • Georgia Tech College of Computing: Collaborations on AI and human-robot interaction
  • Industry Collaborations: Partnerships with medical device and robotics companies for real-world applications
Photo of Leslie Chan and graduate student Vishal Manickam