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ASTRA: Advanced Surgical Tool Retrieval Arm Optimizing the Surgical Instrument Workflow
- Program: Biomedical Engineering
- Course: EN.580.X12 BME Design Team
- Year: 2025
Project Description:
Staffing shortages have cost hospitals $24 billion since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the healthcare industry facing a projected 3.2 million worker deficit by 2026. Operating rooms require a full surgical team, and personnel shortages have led to increased delays and cancellations, compromising patient outcomes. These shortages also contribute to clinician burnout, decreased efficiency, and financial strain on hospitals. For patients, especially in under-resourced areas, delays mean longer wait times, worsened prognoses for time-sensitive conditions, and limited access to quality care. For clinicians, fewer surgeries performed translate to reduced revenue and fewer patients served. Addressing this gap is critical to prevent overworking remaining staff, ensure timely care, and support sustainable operations. The Advanced Surgical Tool Retrieval Arm (ASTRA) robot offers a timely solution by optimizing intraoperative workflows and managing surgical instrumentation. ASTRA reduces the need for human hands in repetitive tasks, enabling surgeries to proceed without unnecessary delays and improving overall outcomes.
Project Photo:
ASTRA: An advanced robotic system designed to streamline surgical workflows by automating tool retrieval, reducing staff burden, and ensuring timely, efficient procedures in the face of healthcare workforce shortages.
