Rowan University Develops First Robotic System for Minimally Invasive Long Bone Fracture Surgery
Key Insights
Researchers at Rowan University have developed Robossis Alpha (search), the world's first robotic surgical system specifically designed for minimally invasive alignment of fractured long bones.
The system delivers force capabilities more than 10 times higher than current surgical robots and features real-time bone tracking with submillimeter accuracy to prevent malalignment complications.
After more than 10 years of development with support from NIH and NSF, the prototype is nearing clinical trials with regulatory approval expected within two to three years.
Researchers at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, have developed Robossis Alpha (search), the world's first robotic surgical system designed specifically for minimally invasive alignment of fractured long bones. The breakthrough technology addresses a critical challenge in orthopedic surgery by enabling precise bone positioning to prevent complications such as malalignment, repeated operations, chronic pain, impaired mobility, and extended recovery times.
Revolutionary Force Capabilities and Precision
Robossis Alpha (search) combines unprecedented strength with surgical precision, delivering force capabilities more than 10 times higher than current commercially available surgical robots. This compact system provides the substantial force necessary for long-bone fracture surgery while maintaining submillimeter accuracy through real-time bone tracking technology.
The system features unique arm placement that creates a large surgical workspace and incorporates AI-driven guidance for optimal bone positioning. These capabilities enable surgeons to reposition large bones accurately while reducing reliance on repeated X-rays during procedures.
Clinical Impact and Development Timeline
Mohammad Abedin-Nasab, founder and CEO of Robossis (search) and associate professor of biomedical engineering at Rowan University's Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, led the development team that has worked on this technology for over a decade. The project emerged from direct clinical observation of complications in pediatric trauma surgery.
"The first surgery I observed was a 2-year-old boy with a broken femur," Abedin-Nasab explained. "The patient lost one liter of his blood and there were a lot of complications. After observing that surgery, I said there is a problem and I have to develop something to fix this problem."
To understand the scope of the clinical need, researchers interviewed more than 250 people, including trauma surgeons, patients, and hospital executives. The prototype is now nearing clinical trials, with regulatory approval from the Food and Drug Administration anticipated within two to three years.
Potential to Transform Surgical Outcomes
Once approved, Robossis Alpha (search) has the potential to significantly shorten surgery time, minimize radiation exposure, reduce anesthesia use, and lower risks of blood loss and complications. The system is specifically designed to prevent the cascade of problems that can result from imprecise bone alignment, including the need for repeated operations and long-term mobility issues.
Collaborative Development and Funding
The multidisciplinary development team includes orthopedic surgeons from Virtua Health (search), researchers from Johns Hopkins University (search), industrial design engineers, and students from Rowan's engineering, science, and medical programs. This includes participants from 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.
The project has received substantial support from multiple sources, including 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 who recognize the clinical value of the technology.