Equipment

Technical Resources for Translational Surgical Research

We provide a comprehensive range of specialized research equipment that empowers cutting-edge translational research and innovation in surgery. The portfolio covers intraoperative imaging systems, surgical robotics, AR/VR visualization technologies, optical systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. Together, these resources create a unique environment where researchers, clinicians, and industry partners can develop, test, and validate novel surgical techniques and technologies under realistic operating room conditions.

 

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Intraoperative imaging

  • Intraoperative Imaging in the operating room
  • Advanced intraoperative imaging system for surgeons
  • Real-time surgical imaging technology
Intraoperative imaging

Intraoperative imaging is essential for experiments that require high-resolution visualization and immediate data access. Our wide range of imaging systems can be integrated into the Brainlab Digital OR to support real-time navigation and evaluation of new workflows. This enables researchers to conduct studies under conditions that reflect clinical reality and to validate procedures with directly available datasets.

Cone Beam CT – Siemens Cios Spin (standard device)

  • Mobile 3D imaging system for intraoperative use
  • Quick acquisition of high-resolution volumetric data
  • Optimized for orthopedic, spinal, and trauma procedures

Ziehm Vision FD (CMOS) C-Arm

  • Mobile fluoroscopy unit with flat-panel detector technology
  • Ideal for interventional procedures and continuous imaging

Ultrasound SuperSonic Aixplorer Ultimate

  • Non-invasive, radiation-free, real-time imaging technique
  • Interface for real-time data access

ROBOTICS

  • Surgeons and researchers perform a robotic surgery experiment
  • Surgeons and researchers perform a robotic surgery experiment.
ROBOTICS

Robotic systems enable precise, programmable, and reproducible experiments. Our KUKA arms can be fitted with commercial or custom medical end-effectors to automate parts of interventions. Linked to real-time imaging and tracking via the OR-X network, they interpret the surgical context, navigate, and act. This setup allows controlled, accurate replication of complex procedures, supporting the development and validation of new workflows and prototypes.

KUKA Robot LBR Med 14 R820

  • High-precision, high-accuracy robotic arm designed for medical applications
  • Features 7 degrees of freedom for maximum maneuverability and a large workspace
  • 14kg payload to support a wide range of applications
  • Programmable using the Kuka controller or ROS2 interface
  • Dedicated support table, mobile, and height adjustable for versatile positioning within the OR

Franka Emika 3

  • Lightweight and collaborative robotic arm designed for dexterous manipulation
  • 7 degrees of freedom for flexible positioning and human-like reach
  • High force sensitivity and compliance for safe interaction with tools and environments

Common Features

  • Programmable using the native controller or ROS2 interface
  • Dedicated support table, mobile and height-adjustable, for versatile positioning within the OR

AR & VR Head-Mounted Displays

  • AR VR glasses in a operating room
  • Medical Extended Reality
  • AR Glasses closeup
  • AR Glasses in translational surgery
AR & VR Head-Mounted Displays

Head-mounted displays allow surgeons and researchers to experience immersive visualization and digital overlays. By blending real anatomical structures with 3D data, they offer training, navigation, and simulations that closely mimic intraoperative scenarios. With our equipment, researchers have access to augmented, virtual, and mixed reality devices to support a wide range of applications.

Augmented Reality (AR)
AR devices overlay visual information onto the real world, providing support for navigation, visualization, and medical guidance.

  • Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Magic Leap

Virtual and mixed Reality (VR)

VR systems such as the Meta Quest 2 and 3 create fully immersive environments for simulation and training. With its mixed-reality features, the Meta Quest 3 can also be used for certain AR applications, adding flexibility for experimental setups.

Other

Beyond AR and VR, systems such as the Meta Aria can capture real-world data directly from the surgeon’s perspective. This enables experiments that require first-person recordings for analysis, validation, or training.

Optical Systems

  • Modern research camera in op setting
  • Scientific research in progress
Optical Systems

Cameras and tracking systems support real-time tool and anatomy tracking, 3D reconstruction, and intraoperative imaging. Flexible setups in the OR or skills lab enable navigation validation, motion analysis, and AI-driven method development.

Tracking systems

High-precision optical trackers that provide sub-millimetric accuracy for registering devices, tools, and anatomy. They are used for developing and validating novel navigation protocols.

  • Atracsys FusionTrack 500
  • Atracsys Spytrack 300

RGB-D Cameras

Depth cameras combine RGB and depth sensing to enable motion analysis, real-time robotic control, and real-time 3D reconstruction. They are widely used for spatial mapping and understanding the surgical environment.

  • Azure Kinect
  • Zed Mini and X
  • Intel Realsense D405 and D435
  • Oak

RGB cameras

Lightweight RGB cameras such as GoPro capture flexible, high-frame-rate video for dynamic OR views and procedure analysis.

DSLRs

High-resolution DSLRs such as Sony Alpha 7R deliver high-resolution images for dataset generation and detailed 3D reconstruction.

HIGH PERFORMING COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE

HIGH PERFORMING COMPUTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Experiments that generate large and complex datasets rely on powerful computing resources for analysis and storage. A dedicated HPC environment with GPU servers and high-speed storage is available on-site to process imaging, robotics, and navigation data in real time. This infrastructure supports AI development, multimodal data fusion, and data-intensive workflows without performance limitations.

DGX A100 P3687 System

  • Equipped with 8x NVIDIA A100 80 GB Tensor Core GPUs
  • Provides 320 GB GPU memory for large datasets and neural networks
  • Optimized for AI and deep learning workloads

NetApp AFF A400 Storage Cluster

  • 92 TB raw / 56 TB usable capacity
  • 30 TiB workload capacity
  • 10,000 IOPS throughput for high-performance data access

Connectivity

  • OR and Skills Lab linked via SDI, HDMI, XLR, Ethernet, USB (2.0, 3.0), and 3.5 mm audio
  • 10 Gbit/s SFP+ uplinks to collection switch
  • Network bandwidth up to 100 GB/s

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Advanced experiments require both technical support and appropriate safety measures. Protective equipment and expert staff are available to ensure correct setup and safe use of the research devices. With tailored service packages, projects can rely on professional assistance throughout the entire experimental process.

  • Technical staff for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting
  • Protective lead garments and radiation safety equipment
  • Video transmission & speaker systems for live streaming and remote collaboration
  • Surface Hub mobile displays for collaborative visualization and teaching
  • Service packages tailored to project scope and complexity

Equipment Gallerie

Modern research camera in op setting
Modern research camera in op setting
A robot arm assisting a surgical procedure
A robot arm assisting a surgical procedure
AR glasses allow interaction with a spine model
AR glasses allow interaction with a spine model
Cutting-edge research in motion
Cutting-edge research in motion