Michael C. LaRoque

University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Michael C. LaRoque is a pioneer in the intersection of open-source robotics and precision neurosurgery. His primary research focuses on developing accessible, automated tools for cranial microsurgery, a field that demands sub-millimeter accuracy to safely interface with the brain. LaRoque’s major contribution is the creation of "Craniobot," a computer numerical controlled (CNC) robot designed to perform delicate skull removal procedures with unprecedented precision and reproducibility. His landmark 2019 paper detailing this system has garnered 50 citations, while his subsequent 2020 work on its assembly and operation—a practical guide for other labs—has earned 41 citations. Together, these publications have established a new paradigm for democratizing advanced surgical robotics, enabling neuroscience laboratories worldwide to adopt these tools without prohibitive costs. LaRoque’s work is particularly notable for its emphasis on open-source design, which accelerates innovation and fosters collaborative refinement. By transforming a complex, high-risk procedure into a reliable, automated process, he has significantly enhanced the safety and efficiency of brain research, making him a key figure in the advancement of neurotechnology.