Simon Harris

University College London, BAE Systems (Sweden), Imperial College London

Papers

Total Citations

231

H-Index

About

Simon Harris is a pioneering figure in the field of surgical robotics and mechatronic systems, with a career defined by translating complex engineering into practical, life-changing medical tools. His primary research areas include "hands-on" robotic surgery, active constraint systems, and climbing robotics for high-precision industrial applications. Harris’s most impactful contribution is the development and first clinical application of the Acrobot system, a "hands-on" robotic platform for total knee replacement surgery. This work, published in 2001 and cited 179 times, introduced the concept of an "active constraint" robot that allows surgeons to maintain direct tactile control while the robot ensures precise bone machining, dramatically improving accuracy and safety in orthopedic procedures. He further refined this mechatronic approach in 2002, demonstrating a force-control handle that lets surgeons feel the cutting forces during surgery. Beyond the operating room, Harris has also applied his mechatronic expertise to aerospace, designing a mobile climbing robot for the manufacture and inspection of aerostructures. This work, cited 45 times, showcases his versatility in solving high-stakes engineering challenges across different domains, cementing his legacy as a researcher who bridges the gap between robotics and real-world clinical and industrial impact.