Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Seiji Omata is a leading researcher in robot-assisted vitreoretinal surgery, a field dedicated to enhancing precision and safety in one of the most challenging ophthalmic procedures. His work centers on developing autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic systems to assist surgeons in delicate tasks like micro-cannulation. Omata’s major contributions include pioneering methods for autonomous positioning of surgical tools, such as a micropipette, using image processing and Kalman filtering to track tool shadows—significantly improving accuracy beyond human capability. His most-cited paper (2018, 16 citations) demonstrates this approach for autonomous eye surgical robot positioning, while his 2017 work (9 citations) details image processing techniques for micro-cannulation. Notably, his 2025 study systematically evaluates different levels of autonomy—from manual surgery to novel one-hand teleoperation—using a surgical model, providing critical insights into shared control. With a growing citation impact, Omata’s research is shaping the future of robotic ophthalmic surgery, offering safer, more reliable solutions for complex retinal procedures.