Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Alex Ranne is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and medical imaging, whose work is redefining how machines interact with complex, unstructured environments. Ranne’s primary contributions lie in the development of **malleable robots**—a novel class of reconfigurable serial robots that can alter their topology using variable-stiffness links. This breakthrough enables robots to adapt their shape and workspace to specific tasks, a capability Ranne has advanced through **augmented reality (AR) guidance**, allowing users to holographically visualize and modify a robot’s configuration in real time. In parallel, Ranne has made significant strides in **intraoperative ultrasound**, developing a method to automatically identify visible tissue during surgery. This innovation addresses the demanding visuotactile challenge of ultrasound scanning, helping operators maintain probe contact and avoid excessive force. With over 10 citations across their most-cited works, including the landmark 2022 paper on AR-assisted malleable robots and the 2023 study on tissue identification, Ranne’s research is gaining traction for its practical impact. Their 2024 book chapter on malleable robots further solidifies their role as a leading voice in adaptive robotic systems, promising safer, more intuitive human-robot collaboration in surgery and beyond.