
Location: Istituto di BioRobotica – Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Lab head: Prof. Gastone Ciuti
Contact: maria.mauro@santannapisa.it
Lab Team

Gastone Ciuti
Professore Ordinario
Istituto di Biorobotica

Maria Mauro
Personale tecnico
Istituto di Biorobotica
Lab Mission
The FIRPADS laboratory is a modular robotic infrastructure for developing new systems for advanced diagnosis and surgery with varying autonomy and intelligence, addressing emerging medical needs through rapid development, testing, and pilot deployment. Key activities include developing and validating components, operating principles, innovative medical platforms, extensive testing for medical device characterization and benchmarking, and using laboratory platforms and simulators.
Devices

Cobot M0609 – Doosan
The M0609 is a six-degree-of-freedom collaborative robot (cobot) designed for precision-driven applications. Equipped with six integrated torque sensors, it ensures exceptional accuracy and control. This medium-sized cobot boasts a 6 kg payload capacity and a 900 mm reach, making it highly versatile for various tasks. Its precise torque control makes it especially well-suited for demanding applications. Additionally, the M0609 features a push-button panel for direct operation and can be easily programmed using a teach pendant with a simple, intuitive interface.
Manual and datasheet: Installation Manual; User Manual
Note: 2 cobot available – please specify if you need only one or both of them
Cobot UR10e – Universal Robots
The UR10e is a versatile and safe collaborative industrial robot with a high payload capacity of 12.5 kg and an extended reach of 1300 mm. This combination makes it ideal for a wide range of applications. Thanks to its advanced safety features, ease of programming, and seamless integration into various environments, the UR10e enhances automation efficiency while reducing operational costs. Its flexibility allows it to adapt to different applications.
Note:
OctoMag – MagnebotiX
OctoMag is a device capable of generating a wide variety of static or time-varying magnetic fields for research on magnetic field-dependent phenomena. It is made of eight coils, spatially constrained to produce fields and field gradients providing forces and torques over 5 degrees of freedom for non-contact actuation of particles, stick-slip or rolling motions, and flagellar swimming.
Data sheet: download; Basler Med; Leica M80
Note: The system is configured with a Leica microscope M80 and a Basler MED ace 8.9 MP camera for image collection, details of the microscope and camera in the datasheets provided

Complete endoscopic column – Olympus
The column offers a practical platform for comparing new devices against the established state-of-the-art, evaluating prototype performance in tasks such as navigation, manipulation, and precision surgery, and testing the integration of robotic technologies with existing endoscopic tools. It also assesses their compatibility and measures their effectiveness in improving accuracy, control, and patient safety. This setup facilitates both comprehensive system testing and the validation of specific components or functions. Equipped with: gastroscope GIF H190; colonoscope CF-H190L; video processor CV-190; KV-6 suction pump; electrosurgical unit ESG150; medical monitor; medical station.
Data sheet: Gastroscope; Colonoscope; Suction pump; Electrosurgical unit
Note:

Colonoscope Training Simulator – Kyoto Kagaku
The colonoscopy simulator is a high-fidelity medical training device for realistic endoscopy practice. It features an anatomically accurate silicone colon model with realistic tissue response, enabling trainees to develop essential skills in colonoscopy procedures, including scope navigation, polyp detection and biopsy techniques. The simulator provides a safe and controlled environment in which to develop, test and validate medical devices and training protocols.
Data sheet: download; Training guide
Note:

Trainer for endoscopy – Laparo Medical Simulator
Laparo Advance is a trainer with 10 precisely positioned instrument access points; an integrated 30° FULL HD camera and LED lighting. Comprehensive of:
– 5 training modules: dextery; tension; suture; dissection; universal holder + cutting hoops;
– 6 training modules for different procedures
– 5 laparoscopic instruments for training: grasper; dissector; scissors; needle holder; clip applicator
Note:

EMS Trainer – Chamberlain Group
The EMS Trainer is a versatile medical training platform that integrates the lumens of the stomach, duodenum, a section of the colon, and the esophagus into a single model. It features both a clear shell for direct visualization and an opaque, soft tissue pad for realistic endoscopic training. The simulator includes key pathologies such as esophageal stricture and duodenal stricture, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience for endoscopic procedures.
Data sheet: none
Note:

EGD (EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy) Simulator – Koken Co.
This endoscopic simulator allows for the insertion of an endoscope into the upper gastrointestinal tract for realistic examination and training. It supports both transoral and transnasal insertion, with adjustable difficulty for transnasal procedures. The model features a lifelike silicone material that mimics human tissue and coloration for an authentic experience with the possibility of trying endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Data sheet: download
Note: Simulated polyps available

Colonoscopy (Lower GI Endoscopy) Simulator Type II – Koken Co.
The Colonoscopy Simulator is a realistic training model designed for practising colonoscopy insertion and endoscopic procedures. Made of specialised silicone rubber, it replicates the feel and colouration of real human tissue for an immersive experience. Observation and intervention techniques, including polyp resection, can be performed by connecting optional components. The simulator features a laterally spreading tumour (LST) in the ascending colon and allows observation of polyps in both the ascending and descending colon.
Data sheet: download
Note: Simulated polyps available

Ultrasonic probe –
Model: ArtUs EXT-1H with L15-7H40-A5 probe
ArtUs is Telemed’s compact and highly powerful application-based ultrasound device. It allows an increase in scanning speed without compromising image quality and provides real-time transfer RF ultrasound data to a PC. New “WideView” imaging mode maximizes viewing area for linear, convex and endocavity transducers. Other features include improved spatial compound available for linear and convex transducers, parallel beamforming, harmonics, B-steer imaging. The system is capable to drive high-density and high-frequency transducers delivering detailed, rich and wide dynamic range images. Software features include Echo Wave II with Speckle noise reduction as a standard package and optional research package: SDK library and advanced data processing and visualisation procedures for MATLAB environment.
Frequency: 7-15 MHz
Scan width: 38.4mm
Scan depth: 20-100 mm
Data sheet: Datasheet, Catalog
Note:

Electromagnetic tracking system
The electromagnetic tracking solution provides unobstructed real-time tracking of micro sensors that can be embedded into rigid and flexible OEM medical instruments such as ultrasound probes, endoscopes, catheters, guidewires – even at the tip of a needle. With this system, no line-of-sight is needed for in-vivo tracking of instruments through twisting anatomical tracts allowing a minimally invasive approach.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP

Optical tracking system
An optical measurement system that detects the 3D positions of active and passive markers applied to specific instruments. Based on this information, the system can determine the position and orientation of instruments within a specific measurement volume.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP

Comprehensive platform for robotic surgery
An integrated and modular platform designed to facilitate the development and implementing of testing protocols for robotic surgery devices. The platform features a range of equipment, including anthropomorphic robotic arms (e.g., UR10E and Doosan M609 models), various gripping systems (both mechanical and pneumatic), sensors, load cells, wristband for monitoring physiological parameters, eye tracking system, virtual reality system, as well as mobile robots.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP. If you need only part of the system listened contact us.

Pneumatic test table
Work table available for pneumatic, mechanical and electronic testing, including oscilloscope.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP

Electronics test table
Electronic test table including stand power supply, oscilloscope and instrumentation for signal acquisition.
Data sheet: download
Note: WIP