Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hanifa Koguna is pioneering the next generation of surgical robotics through the development of "Fiberbots"—miniature, polymer-based robotic fibers designed for high-precision minimally invasive surgery. Her research lies at the critical intersection of soft robotics, thermal actuation, and medical device miniaturization. Koguna’s major contribution is the creation of flexible, high-aspect-ratio robotic probes that leverage thermal expansion to achieve precise, controllable manipulation of surgical instruments within the body. This work addresses a fundamental challenge in minimally invasive procedures: the need for both flexibility and accuracy in confined anatomical spaces. Her 2024 paper on Fiberbots has already garnered 69 citations, reflecting the field’s urgent interest in scalable, high-precision tools. By demonstrating that thermal actuation can be harnessed in a flexible, polymer-based form factor, Koguna has opened a new pathway for manufacturing dexterous surgical devices. Her research promises to enhance the safety and efficacy of delicate operations, making her a rising voice in the drive toward smarter, smaller, and more responsive surgical technologies.