WHAT: Johnson & Johnson announced a collaboration with Google on March 26, 2015 to advance surgical robots by integrating medical device technology with robotic systems, imaging and data analytics; NIBIB at NIH can provide comment on state of the science.

WHO: Steven Krosnick, M.D., program director, Image-guided Interventions, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at NIH.

NIBIB is a major supporter of research in the field of surgical robotics and image-guided interventions. The institute supports the development of cutting-edge technologies that combine state-of-the art imaging and robotics to enable less-invasive and more accurate surgeries. As an expert in this field, Dr. Krosnick is able to provide context about current clinical needs for incorporating robotics into the surgical suite and can speak about some of the unique technological challenges that this presents. He can also comment, in general, on some of the advantages and shortcomings of current surgical robotic technologies and where there may be room for improvement. He can also provide examples of innovative technologies that are currently being developed with NIBIB support in this field.

CONTACT: To schedule an interview, please contact Margot Kern, NIBIB, 301-496-3500 or [email protected]

NIBIB: NIBIB’s mission is to improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The Institute is committed to integrating the physical and engineering sciences with the life sciences to advance basic research and medical care. NIBIB supports emerging technology research and development within its internal laboratories and through grants, collaborations, and training. More information is available at the NIBIB website: http://www.nibib.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 institutes and centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.