Surgical Robot Challenge 2020: On Pause [Re-opening for additional entries in September]

Competition on Pause

Thank you very much to everyone who has already submitted an entry to the 2020 Surgical Robot Challenge — a great achievement in such difficult times! However, we are also aware that some people have been unable to access their laboratories or collaborate with key colleagues during the Covid-19 lockdown and therefore have not been able to submit their planned entries to the 2020 competition. In light of this, we have decided to pause the competition, with the hope of re-opening for additional entries in September.

We believe this decision will ensure that as many entries as possible can be considered in order to showcase the full international repertoire of the latest developments in surgical robotics innovation.

We will contact all entrants closer to the time with an update on the competition. Any entrants who wish to re-submit with an updated version of their entry will be welcome to do so.

The Surgical Robot Challenge is an annual international competition showcasing the latest innovative and technological advancements in surgical robotics.

Now in its 5th year, this compelling contest sees some of the leading surgical robotics groups from around the world compete for a prize fund of £10,000. With the support of Intuitive Surgical, KUKA and Applied Dexterity, this competition aims to showcase innovative new ideas in surgiccbdnbal robotics across a range of surgical robot platforms.

Virtual Challenge

As you may know, a decision has been taken to cancel the Hamlyn Symposium 2020, due to the worldwide threat of the COVID-19.

In the case of the Surgical Robot Challenge, the decision taken with our industrial partners, is to proceed with the challenge online and to extend the deadline to Tuesday 31st March 2020.

The online version of the event will take place as follows:

• Submission – 2min video as a preview of your project – Tuesday 31st March 2020
• Review and acceptance – Friday 17th April 2020
• Final 2-Minute Preview Video, Slideshow and 2-Page Paper – Friday 29th May 2020
• Online presentation and interview – Friday 26th June 2020.

We are aware that some of you may not have access to your laboratories, so we are happy to be flexible. Please get in touch with me to discuss any issues you may have.

Thank you for your understanding in these difficult times.