Robotics for Drug Discovery

One of our research themes within the Pandemic Science Hub focuses on developing cutting-edge robotics and AI-driven technologies to revolutionize drug discovery and therapeutic delivery, especially in critical care settings. By integrating advanced robotics with precision medicine, our goal is to create innovative solutions that enable remote navigation of flexible instruments within the human body, particularly the lungs, to identify and deliver treatments more accurately and additionally guide development of new targeted therapies. Our work combines robotics, sensors, and advanced AI algorithms to meet the challenges of pandemic preparedness and response, ultimately enhancing patient care through technology-driven interventions.

One of our key research focuses is on developing an advanced robotic platform for remote lung navigation in critically ill patients, integrating robotic hardware, data-driven modelling, and AI-driven control systems. These flexible robots adapt to the dynamic lung environment, using real-time visual feedback to create detailed maps for precise sampling and targeted therapy delivery at the bedside. We emphasize explainable models and photonic-based sensing technologies to enhance the accuracy of shape and position estimation of flexible instruments. This approach aims to revolutionize critical care by enabling safer, more precise, and effective therapeutic interventions.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, we aim to democratize access to advanced medical procedures in critical care, enabling high-precision therapies that are guided by real-time data and AI insights. Our research in robotics for drug discovery is not just about developing new technologies; it’s about creating a future where complex medical challenges can be tackled with speed, precision, and minimal invasiveness, bringing transformative impact to patient outcomes during pandemics and beyond.