Inspire Conference 2024

Applying Robotics to Surgery

The 2024 Inspire Conference will focus on surgical robotics. Topics include principles of surgical robotics, types of surgeries, careers in surgical robotics, and more. University of Minnesota faculty, students, and professionals from Medtronic will be lead lectures and interactive invention exercises.

This is an invite-only event.

9:30-9:32 am, IEM Welcome   
John Bischof, PhD, Director of IEM, University of Minnesota

9:32-9:35 am, Inspire Program Welcome
Rhonda Franklin, PhD & Christopher Pennell, PhD
Co-Directors of Inspire, University of Minnesota

9:35-9:40 am, Conference Welcome & Overview of the Day
Yoji Shimizu, PhD, University of Minnesota

9:40-10:10 am, Principles of Robotic Surgery
Nathan Knutson, MS, Medtronic

10:10-10:20 am, Types of Careers in Surgical Robotics & Medtronic
Christine Burnevik, BS, Medtronic

10:20-10:30 am Break

10:30-11:20 am, Breakout Sessions
- Demonstration of Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system
- UMN, Industry, and STEM Exhibition Room
- Careers in Surgical Robotics hosted by Medtronic

11:20-11:35 am, Lunch Break

11:35am-12:00pm, Keynote Presentation
"Robotics in Colorectal Surgery"
Cyrus Jahansouz, MD, University of Minnesota Medical School

12:00-12:15 pm Break

12:15-1:10 pm, Invention Challenge & Exercise
Will Durfee, PhD, University of Minnesota

1:10-1:20 pm, Conference Summary
Yoji Shimizu, PhD, University of Minnesota

Speakers include: