Stereo Theatre

This project will interface 2D and 3D machine vision solutions with virtual and augmented reality systems to produce a digital twin of a patient in an operating theatre. This offers game-changing advances in surgical procedures as it allows for senior surgeons to remotely experience the operation and interact with the local surgical team to provide help and offer advice.

i3Dr has many years developing and producing systems for industries such as steel and nuclear and the key output of this project will be to transfer its technology to the healthcare sector. i3Dr's technology was a key component in the winning of NDA's multi-million pound decommissioning competition where 2D and 3D machine vision was interfaced with VR and AR systems. This project will build on that work through interfacing i3Dr's machine vision solutions with AR/VR systems and be tested in the medical AMRC's digital theatre. This will allow the team to create an immersive experience of the theatre and prove that this technology may be used for real-time updates of the real-world to the digital twin.

Correct implementation of these ideas could lead to improved patient outcomes, care and safety as well as increasing the number of hospitals hitting their targets. The technology is not restricted to operating theatres and may be used in many areas of healthcare requiring a digital twin such as ordering supplies, cleaning & sterilisation of equipment, streamlining theatre use times, and the on-site manufacturing of medication.

The key objectives of developing a benchtop demonstrator are moving ahead well. An extension of the project by 3 months will allow greater client engagement now and therefore improve commercial exploitation
This will arise through better beta testing allowing enhanced client engagement, focused inputs and greater collaboration with Sheffield teaching Hospitals and their medical students.