Answering the challenges of the addressed call, I8. Development of a program to attract highly specialised human resources from abroad in research, development and innovation activities, ATHENA defines its specific objectives which target to achieve fundamental research on:
(O1) – Development of intelligent robotic devices for oesophagus surgery.
Outcomes: a specialized tool for the controlled deflation of the lung; a multiplane dexterous anastomosis robotic device; a smart device for automated processing of intraoperative images for increased safety and ergonomics.
(O2) – Development of robotic solutions for the 3D mapping of resection margins in pancreatic cancer.
Outcomes: a robotic device for the adaptive guiding of an intraoperative ultrasound probe for the 3D mapping with CT/MRI images fusion for the real-time assessment of the resection margins in pancreatic cancer; a software tool for the parametric generation of free form parts based on the pancreas anatomy to ensure shielding (protection) for vital neighboring structures HDR therapy.
(O3) – Development of highly dexterous robotic instruments acting as personalised tools in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
Outcomes: a modular, highly dexterous smart instrument with single use customisable distal active head for specific actions within minimally invasive procedures and real-time procedure monitoring based on intraoperative imaging data; Development of a dynamically balanced passive guiding tool for weight compensation for the dexterous device.
(O4) – Setup of a pole of competence in smart and adaptive robotic devices for surgery in the framework of European strategic development strategies.
Outcomes: a highly competitive environment for innovation in robotic surgery; a training programme for young scientists in the context of blended education; co-supervised PhD (3 defended theses) and post-doc programmes.
(O5) – Research results dissemination, increase of research team visibility and attraction of new national and European fundings.
Outcomes: publication of 35 scientific papers with at least 20 in ISI journals (12 Q1); application for 3 national grants and 3 European ones during the project lifetime (at least 2 Horizon Europe proposal); attraction of at least 800.000 Eur of additional research funds.