Mohammad Abedin-Nasab and his team of researchers at Rowan University have introduced Robossis Alpha, the world’s first robotic surgical system designed for minimally invasive alignment of fractured long bones. This advanced prototype, nearing clinical trials,
addresses a critical challenge in orthopedic surgery: ensuring precise bone positioning
to prevent complications such as malalignment, repeated operations, chronic pain,
impaired mobility and extended recovery times.
Robossis Alpha combines unmatched strength with precision. The compact system
delivers the huge force necessary for long-bone fracture surgery that is not currently
available in other commercially available surgical robots. The system enables surgeons
to reposition large bones accurately while reducing reliance on repeated X-rays. Once
approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the technology has the potential to
significantly shorten surgery time, minimize radiation exposure, reduce anesthesia use,
and lower risks of blood loss and complications.
Led by Abedin-Nasab, founder and CEO of Robossis, and an associate professor of
biomedical engineering in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, the project is
supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the
New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology and the New Jersey
Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Commercial development is backed by the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund and private
investors, including orthopedic surgeons.
Under development for a decade, Robossis Alpha is intended to address a “huge
clinical need” for improved patient outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations,
Abedin-Nasab said. Researchers interviewed more than 250 people to understand the
scope of the problem, including trauma surgeons, patients and hospital executives.
Key features of Robossis Alpha:
- Unique arm placement for a large surgical workspace;
- Force capabilities more than 10 times higher than current surgical robots;
- Real-time bone tracking with submillimeter accuracy;
- AI-driven guidance for optimal positioning.
The multidisciplinary team includes orthopedic surgeons from Virtua Health,
researchers from Johns Hopkins University, industrial design engineers and students
from Rowan’s engineering, science and medical programs, including Cooper Medical
School of Rowan University, and the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and
Rowan-Virtua School of Translational & Biomedical Engineering — both part of Virtua
Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences.
With continued private funding, regulatory approval is anticipated within two to three
years.
