In this exciting episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Shane Farritor, an innovator at the intersection of space exploration and medical technology. Discover how cutting-edge surgical robots are revolutionizing abdominal surgery, and paving the way for high-tech medical assistance in space.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How a space-enthused innovator found a niche in surgical robots
• How robots are being used in surgery today, and why Virtual Incision's small robots are making a big impact in the medical field
• The incredible story of a surgical robot sent to space, and how surgeons on earth performed simulated surgery on the space station
• What robots can mean for the future of telesurgery

Whether you're an educator in STEM, an employer in the med-tech sector, or simply fascinated by the convergence of space technology and medical innovation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking discussions. Join us as we navigate the final frontier of surgical robotics and envision the future of healthcare.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. Small robots are revolutionizing surgery: Surgical robots have been around for decades, but Virtual Incision's miniature robots open a new door to boundless applications, like the ability to send these robots into space. They enable surgeons on earth to aid those in space - you can imagine the implications this could have for long-duration space missions and potential future extraterrestrial exploration.
2. Students can drive innovation in engineering: Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships at NASA, allow students to gain hands-on experience and develop new skills that are difficult to convey in a classroom. Shane Farritor discusses the importance of engineering students to get hands-on experiences prior to graduation and how his graduate and undergraduate students have worked on Virtual Incision's projects.
3. Telesurgery will make a major positive impact on the future of medicine: The advancement of telesurgery is paving the way for remote medical procedures, expanding access to expert surgical care. This innovation has the potential to overcome geographical barriers and provide life-saving treatments to underserved populations.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• To learn more about Virtual Incision, visit: virtualincision.com
• Virtual Incision in the news
• Shane Farritor's University of Nebraska-Lincoln page

More on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/farritor/

We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn