In the last decades robotics and mechatronics have found their way into many medical applications. Especially surgery has shown large potential for the use of robotic systems. The goal in medical robotics is thereby not to replace the surgeon by a robot, but to provide the surgeon with new treatment options to the benefit of the patient. Although this technology is still in its early stages, it will considerably change future surgery.

Since more than 15 years the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics contributes to this process with various research activities. The successfully completed projects include among others the implementation of a robot-assisted endoscope guidance (1996–2008), the development of the ventricular assist device (VAD) DLR Heart (2002–2004), which was licensed by DUALIS MedTech GmbH, and the development of the versatile surgical robot DLR KineMedic (2002–2007) in cooperation with Brainlab AG.

Currently the research activities of the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in the medical field focus on the following topics:

You want to participate in our research in the context of a student research project or an internship?

We are always looking for skilled and motivated university students. On the subpage Job offers you can find a selection of currently available thesis and internship topics at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics. In case you find no appropriate topic there, you can also send us a spontaneous application.