Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Trevor J. Schwehr is pioneering the next generation of ultra-minimally invasive surgical robotics, with a focus on magnetic actuation and steerable needle technologies. His work centers on enhancing the precision and safety of wireless magnetic control for surgical tools, a field critical for reducing tissue trauma and enabling access to hard-to-reach anatomical regions. Schwehr’s major contributions include developing closed-loop control systems that leverage low-error numerical magnetic models to achieve accurate torque and force exertion—a fundamental challenge in magnetic surgery. His innovative "Screw-Tip Soft Magnetically Steerable Needles" introduce a paradigm shift: a flexible needle that pulls itself through tissue via rotation, rather than being pushed, offering superior steering and reduced tissue damage. Additionally, his work on motorized robotic closed cervical traction demonstrates the clinical translation of his engineering, achieving effectiveness comparable to traditional manual methods in biomechanical studies. With multiple papers garnering 8–11 citations shortly after publication and a 2024 study on enhanced magnetic field articulation through stacked coils, Schwehr is establishing himself as a rising leader in surgical robotics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in minimally invasive intervention.