Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

S. Milanesi is a pioneering figure in telerobotic surgery, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern remote surgical procedures. Their primary research areas include telerobotics, laparoscopic surgery, and satellite-mediated medical interventions. Milanesi’s most significant contribution was orchestrating the world’s first transatlantic robotic telesurgery experiment on July 7, 1993, connecting the Telerobotics Laboratory at Politecnico di Milano with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. During this historic trial, a surgeon in California successfully controlled a robot in Milan to perform laparoscopic operations on a pig model, using a combination of communication satellites and optical fiber networks for real-time data exchange. This achievement, documented across multiple highly cited papers (cumulatively over 60 citations), demonstrated the feasibility of remote surgery across continents and inspired subsequent advances in telemedicine. Milanesi’s work not only showcased the potential for delivering surgical expertise to underserved or remote locations but also addressed critical technical challenges in latency, data integrity, and robotic precision. Their legacy continues to influence the development of telerobotic systems, making them a foundational figure in the field of robotic surgery.