We are pleased to announce that we will organize a workshop at The Hamlyn Symposium on Medical Robotics 2026, entitled “From Code to Care: Challenges, Success Stories, and the Future Directions of Open-Source development in Medical Robotics.”. This workshop is co-organized by:
- Dr. Miguel Xochicale, University College London
- Dr. Reza Haqshenas, University College London
- Dr. Junichi Tokuda, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Dr. Laura Connolly, Johns Hopkins University
- Dr. Mariana Costa Bernades Matias, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Dr. Ruaridh Gollifer, University College London
Open-source development has been shaping virtually every aspect of modern computing technologies, from infrastructures (e.g., the internet, operating systems, databases, cloud computing), to scientific computing, and, more recently, artificial intelligence. Consequently, open-source development model has had a profound impact on medical robotics, making well-validated, state-of-the-art software tools and frameworks more accessible to both industry and academia. However, when an open-source product moves through clinical translation and is used directly with patients, new complexities arise. These include meeting regulatory requirements, managing risk, and patient privacy protection. Further considerations are needed for products intended global use as regulatory requirements can vary between countries and authorities. As a result, many innovations are developed locally, often focused on specific diseases or technologies and constrained by available expertise, while striving to achieve a broader, worldwide impact on patient care. This workshop brings together participants from academia, industry, and regulatory communities to share real-world experiences through talks, poster presentations, and interactive table discussions. Together, we will discuss challenges, highlight successful approaches, and explore the next steps and future directions for open-source medical robotics. Our goal is not only to drive technical progress, but also to build stronger collaboration between patients, researchers, and industry across borders. By joining this workshop, participants will help shape responsible, effective, and globally relevant solutions for the future of patient-centred technology.
