In March 2025, the Department of Otolaryngology at Poznań University of Medical Sciences embarked on a series of groundbreaking ear surgeries, utilising the advanced capabilities of RobOtol—a state-of-the-art robotic system designed specifically for otological procedures. From cochlear implantations to complex reconstructions, RobOtol enhances both surgical accuracy and patient safety. But this isn’t just about innovation in surgery—it’s also about the education of future surgeons and the broader implications of adopting cutting-edge technology in healthcare.
Understanding RobOtol
Developed by the French company Collin Medical, RobOtol represents a significant advancement in ear surgery. This robotic system boasts a mechanical architecture based on the concept of a pivot point, offering seven degrees of freedom—three rotations, three translations, and one distal movement. Such flexibility allows for meticulous manoeuvrability within the confined spaces of the ear, enabling surgeons to perform intricate procedures with unprecedented accuracy. The design and ergonomics of RobOtol are meticulously tailored to meet the specific demands of otological surgeries, ensuring both efficacy and safety.
Enhancing Surgical Precision
Developed by the French company Collin Medical, RobOtol is a highly specialised robotic system designed for otological surgeries. Unlike traditional surgical tools, this robot operates with seven degrees of freedom, allowing precise movement in tight anatomical spaces. Its pivot-point mechanical architecture enables delicate procedures without causing unnecessary trauma to the ear’s sensitive structures.
One of the robot’s standout capabilities is its ability to insert cochlear implant electrodes with extreme steadiness and control. Unlike a human hand, which moves at approximately 1 millimetre per second, RobOtol can insert an electrode at just 0.1 millimetres per second—a level of precision that significantly reduces the risk of damaging residual hearing.
For these patients, it is crucial that the electrode is inserted into the cochlea very gently and slowly to preserve any remaining hearing. The patient hears better when low frequencies are amplified by a hearing aid, while high frequencies are supported by the implant. This creates a more natural effect.
explains Dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Gawęcki from PUMS’ Department of Otolaryngology.
Educational Advancements
Between 11 and 21 March 2025, Poznań University of Medical Sciences embarked on a groundbreaking series of ear surgeries, using RobOtol to enhance patient outcomes, improve surgical techniques, and train future medical professionals. This is not the first time Poznań’s specialists have used this revolutionary device—RobOtol was previously tested at the university in 2022, where it assisted in Poland’s first-ever robotic cochlear implantations. Now, with an expanded range of procedures and new patient profiles, the university is taking robotic surgery to the next level.
The presence of RobOtol offers invaluable opportunities for medical students and residents at Poznań University of Medical Sciences. Exposure to such advanced technology during their training equips future surgeons with the skills and confidence to operate in high-tech surgical environments. It also fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, encouraging students to engage with emerging technologies and integrate them into their practice. This hands-on experience with robotic systems like RobOtol ensures that upcoming medical professionals are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.
Precision Leading to Better Outcomes
The key to successful ear surgeries lies in accuracy, stability, and minimal invasiveness—qualities that RobOtol brings to the operating room. The robot is especially valuable for patients with preserved residual hearing, as its gentle electrode placement helps maintain natural auditory function. This is a significant advancement from the 2022 procedures, which focused on patients with profound hearing loss.
The use of RobOtol is also expanding beyond cochlear implantations. The robot is assisting in complex surgeries, including procedures on patients with challenging anatomical conditions—such as those who have suffered ear trauma, skull fractures, or otosclerosis.
Moreover, RobOtol can hold and stabilise an endoscope, an instrument often used for visualising the inner ear. Normally, an endoscope must be held by a surgeon, limiting their ability to operate freely.
It is not possible for a second surgeon to hold the endoscope—the spaces within the ear are too small, and the structures too delicate. Even a one-millimetre shift can cause damage. This is where the robot becomes invaluable.
Professor Gawęcki explains.
With RobOtol acting as a ‘third hand’, surgeons can work with greater stability, precision, and flexibility, making procedures such as tumour removal and tympanic membrane reconstruction more efficient and safer than ever before.
Transforming Patient Care
For patients, RobOtol represents hope and a higher quality of life. Individuals who were previously considered high-risk for traditional surgeries now have access to safer, more precise treatments. One of the recent recipients of a cochlear implant was a woman from outside Poznań, who had spent years working in a music store and suffered significant hearing loss due to constant exposure to noise.
Another patient, Dorota Sadowska, travelled all the way from Olsztyn to undergo surgery in Poznań.
My hearing has been deteriorating for over 20 years. I’ve reached a point where hearing aids no longer help. This surgery is my only chance to function normally again.
shares Dorota Sadowska.
For many, hearing loss is not just a medical condition—it affects social interactions, careers, and emotional well-being. Some patients, like Dorota, have had to change jobs or withdraw from social activities due to their condition.
The Significance of Adopting New Technologies
The adoption of RobOtol reflects a broader commitment to embracing innovation within the medical community. Incorporating advanced technologies into clinical practice signifies a proactive approach to improving patient care and outcomes. It encourages a shift towards minimally invasive procedures, which are associated with reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker returns to daily activities. Moreover, it sets a precedent for the continuous integration of technological advancements in medicine, ensuring that healthcare systems evolve in tandem with technological progress to meet the needs of patients effectively.
A Future-Oriented Medical Landscape in Poznań
The introduction of RobOtol into the surgical repertoire of Poznań’s University Medical Centre marks a significant milestone in the city’s medical journey. It exemplifies how technological innovation can be harnessed to enhance surgical precision, improve patient outcomes, and enrich medical education. As RobOtol continues to assist in complex ear surgeries, it not only transforms the experiences of patients and surgeons alike but also solidifies Poznań’s status as a leader in modern medical practices. The city’s embrace of such cutting-edge technology serves as an inspiring model for other medical institutions aiming to integrate innovation into their clinical and educational frameworks.
