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AI Embodied Biomimetic Soft Robot for Superior Vision in Minimally Invasive Surgery — NSF Award to University of Tennessee Knoxvil

This project advances foundational robotics research by developing a miniature, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced soft robotic system that mimics key protective functions of the human eye such as blinking, tear flow, and corneal sensing to autonomously maintain visual clarity during minimally invasive surgeries. In

Award titleAI Embodied Biomimetic Soft Robot for Superior Vision in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Award ID2503725
AwardeeUniversity of Tennessee Knoxville
CityKNOXVILLE
StateTN
Amount obligated$1,038,318
Principal investigatorJindong Tan
ProgramFRR-Foundationl Rsrch Robotics
Start date10/01/2025
AbstractThis project advances foundational robotics research by developing a miniature, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced soft robotic system that mimics key protective functions of the human eye such as blinking, tear flow, and corneal sensing to autonomously maintain visual clarity during minimally invasive surgeries. In these procedures, surgeons rely entirely on laparoscopic cameras for visual guidance, but lens contamination from smoke, fluids, condensation, and debris frequently impairs visibi
SourceNSF Awards

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