Skip to main content
What are you looking for?

Prof. Kwok Wai Samuel AU

Prof. Kwok Wai Samuel AU

Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Professor

Director, Chow Yuk Ho Technology Centre for Innovative Medicine

Faculty Member, CUHK T Stone Robotics Institute

[javascript protected email address]
[javascript protected email address]

AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE

  • Medical Robotics
  • Bioinspired Robotics
  • Control System Design
  • Mechatronics System Development

AWARD & HONOUR

  • Co-invented and led the development of software and control algorithm for the FDA approved daVinci Si Single-Site surgical platform (2012) and da Vinci Si Single-Site Wristed Needle Driver (2014), which were the first FDA approved robotic platform to support single incision surgery. This new platform allows surgeon to operate surgery through a single incision with ease (mostly is for Cholecystectomy and Benign Hysterectomy procedures). Over 110,000 patients have received the single incision surgery through this platform since Dec, 2010. Also, more than 500 clinical centers/hospitals around the globe have been using this platform for human studies as well as regular clinical practice.
  • Led the development of software and control algorithm division for the FDA approved da Vinci Xi Single-Site surgical platform from concept through product development between 2014 and 2015.
  • Founding team member for the da Vinci ION project. Co-invented and developed (both in mechanical design and control system) a novel flexible surgical robotic platform with distal fiber optics sensor feedback for early stage lung cancer biopsy (June, 2008 – Mar, 2013). Developed fundamental technologies (in mechanical design, sensing, modeling, and control) using fiber optics sensor feedback to provide high performance instrument control while preserving instrument flexibility. This platform can potentially provide surgeon ability to reach, biopsy, and treat very small lesions located deep inside the body without breaking any incision in the body wall.
  • Invented and developed (with Prof. Hugh Herr) the MIT Robotic Ankle-Foot Prosthesis, which mimics the action of a biological ankle and, for the first time, provides transtibial amputees with a natural gait and improved walking economy. The invention was named one of the Best Inventions of Year by TIME magazine in 2007 and was commercialized by BiOM, Inc. (June, 2004 – April, 2008). Over 1000 transtibial amputees have been using this product daily.