Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Michela Piccoli is a leading researcher at the intersection of robotic surgery and urological oncology, with a primary focus on transforming prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her most significant contributions lie in the development and validation of semi-autonomous robotic systems for prostate biopsy. Her pioneering work on the PROST robot, detailed in her highly cited 2021 pilot study (27 citations), introduced a novel approach to minimize human error by automating critical steps such as target selection, image fusion, and needle positioning. This was further validated in her 2022 preclinical study (15 citations), which confirmed the system's reliability for transperineal biopsy—a procedure traditionally performed manually and often randomly. Beyond diagnostics, Piccoli has advanced surgical technique, as seen in her 2024 study comparing antegrade versus retrograde approaches for extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robotic prostatectomy. Her work is characterized by a rigorous, translational approach, moving from preclinical validation to clinical standardization. With a growing citation impact, Piccoli is establishing herself as a key figure in the push toward more precise, autonomous, and less invasive urological interventions.