Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Francesca Zappa is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neurosurgery and robotics, with a focused expertise in endoscopic transnasal skull base surgery. Her major contributions center on the preclinical and clinical evaluation of hybrid robotic systems designed to enhance precision and ergonomics in complex cranial base procedures. In her landmark 2019 study, she provided the first comprehensive preclinical assessment of a novel robotic endoscope holder, demonstrating its feasibility and garnering 18 citations for its foundational impact. Zappa’s subsequent 2021 single-centre case series, with 10 citations, advanced this work by prospectively evaluating the robotic system in real surgical settings, confirming its safety and utility in transsphenoidal approaches. She further synthesized the field in a 2020 literature review (9 citations), integrating her personal experience with global evidence to outline the trajectory of robotic assistance in skull base surgery. Her work is notable for bridging the gap between engineering innovation and clinical application, directly addressing surgeon ergonomic challenges while improving visualization and maneuverability. Zappa’s research has established critical benchmarks for the adoption of hybrid robotics in minimally invasive neurosurgery, positioning her as a key voice in the evolution of computer-assisted surgical techniques.