University of Melbourne, Sony Group partner to develop technology driven advanced surgical training

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The University of Melbourne and Sony Group Corporation (Sony) have entered into a joint research agreement to develop tech-driven innovative surgical training.

Through this project, Sony will develop advanced robotics, utilising their sophisticated real-time simulation, haptic and high-definition 3D-video technologies. Academics from the University of Melbourne will provide anatomical, medical and procedural knowledge that will support Sony to develop the technology for the surgical training platform. The technology will initially focus on the training of essential surgical procedure skills such as incisions, suturing, and the removal of lesions, with the aim of enabling a wider range of healthcare workers such as nurses, general practitioners and surgical trainees to perform relatively non-invasive surgeries.

The University will also provide expertise to establish best-practice assessment models to ensure the technology can be implemented into training programs for future surgeons, based on work that is being led by the Melbourne Academy of Surgical Anatomy.

“Currently those wanting to undertake surgical training are required to attend on-site at hospitals or universities, which limits our ability to respond to growing demand for high-quality surgical training,” said Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Melbourne Academy of Surgical Anatomy at the University of Melbourne. “The technology developed through this collaboration will enable us to transform how and where we deliver this training, allowing trainees and health professionals to develop their skills as much as required to obtain competence and confidence. It will also reduce pressure on surgery departments in the hospital system by empowering nurses and general practitioners to perform minor surgeries.”