Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Mario Lorenz is pioneering the intersection of robotics and medical training, with a focus on developing high-fidelity virtual reality (VR) simulators for orthopedic surgery. His key research areas include haptic feedback systems, surgical simulation, and telepresence robotics. Lorenz’s major contribution is the creation of the first VR training simulator for hip replacement surgery, addressing the unique challenge of providing both high-force feedback during bone reaming and sensitive tactile cues. To achieve this, he innovatively repurposed industrial robots like the KUKA LBR iiwa as haptic devices, enabling realistic force output that was previously unattainable in VR surgical training. His most cited work, “Using the KUKA LBR iiwa Robot as Haptic Device for Virtual Reality Training of Hip Replacement Surgery” (24 citations), along with related papers (totaling over 90 citations), demonstrates significant impact in the field. Lorenz also developed a cadaver-based biomechanical model of acetabulum reaming to standardize training. His work has the potential to reduce complications in total hip arthroplasty by improving surgical education. More recently, he has explored telepresence robotics, investigating distance estimation in remote environments.