Bogdan Vigaru

About

Bogdan Vigaru is a pioneering researcher in medical and rehabilitation robotics, with key contributions spanning image-guided surgical systems, haptic interfaces, and sensorimotor neurorehabilitation. His work bridges cutting-edge engineering with clinical and preclinical applications, notably in prostate cancer interventions and stroke recovery. Vigaru’s most cited study (65 citations) introduced a tandem-robot system for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, enhancing neurovascular bundle visualization—a critical step in preserving patient function. He also advanced percutaneous ablation targeting, comparing a computer-assisted navigation system with the AcuBot robotic platform (59 citations), demonstrating the potential for precise, minimally invasive tumor treatment. In education and human-robot interaction, Vigaru co-developed the ETHZ Haptic Paddle (33 citations), a low-cost force-feedback device that has become a staple for teaching dynamic systems and physical interaction concepts at universities worldwide. His innovative rodent robotic manipulandum (24 and 15 citations) enabled unprecedented assessment and perturbation of forelimb movements, revealing sub-processes of motor learning and offering new tools for designing stroke rehabilitation therapies. Vigaru’s work on MRI-compatible pneumatic robots for prostate brachytherapy further underscores his impact in image-guided interventions. With over 200 citations across his portfolio, Vigaru’s research exemplifies how robotics can transform surgical precision, educational practice, and neural recovery.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Tandem-robot Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy to Improve the Neurovascular Bundle Visualization: A Feasibility Study

   65 citations · 2010
2. 2
   Prospects in Percutaneous Ablative Targeting: Comparison of a Computer-Assisted Navigation System and the AcuBot Robotic System

   59 citations · 2010
3. 3
   Physical Student–Robot Interaction With the ETHZ Haptic Paddle

   33 citations · 2012
4. 4
   A Robotic Platform to Assess, Guide and Perturb Rat Forelimb Movements

   24 citations · 2013
5. 5
   A small-scale robotic manipulandum for motor training in stroke rats

   15 citations · 2011
6. 6
   Sub-processes of motor learning revealed by a robotic manipulandum for rodents

   13 citations · 2014
7. 7
   Contribution of interaction force to the sense of hand ownership and the sense of hand agency

   6 citations · 2021
8. 8
   MRI-compatible Pneumatic Robot (MRBot) for Prostate Brachytherapy: Preclinical Assessment of Accuracy and Execution of Dosimetric Plans

   5 citations · 2008
9. 9
   MR compatible actuation for medical instrumentation

   4 citations · 2008
10. 10
    MRI-compatible pneumatic robot (MRBot) for prostate brachytherapy: Preclinical evaluation of feasibility and accuracy

    2 citations · 2008

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links