Orange to further invest in 5G connectivity for remote robotic surgeries
Telecom provider Orange plans to further invest in 5G connectivity to enable remote robotic surgeries. It has, with partners like the Kortrijk-based imaging specialist Barco, developed a successful pilot project, which was presented on Monday in Leuven.
In 2022, Belgium’s Federal Public Service Economy launched a call to encourage projects around 5G technology. One of the selected projects was that of Orange and Barco, to enable remote surgeries thanks to a 5G connection.
The project uses Barco's NexxisLive software, which creates a digital operating theatre: a doctor outside the hospital can follow the surgery via the software on their own devices.
“A public Wi-Fi network is too sensitive for a hospital setting; 5G is reliable and secure"
The partners provided a fibre-optic connection to Chirec Group's Delta Hospital in Brussels so the 5G technology could be tested there. They also used a surgical robot from KU Leuven university, operated remotely from several hundred metres with a controller.
The tests showed that the delay on the images was low enough to work accurately. The aim is now to develop the technology further and in this way attract additional industrial partners.
Secure system
The security of the system is crucial, explained Stefaan Van Aken, 5G Customer Solution Architect at Orange Belgium. “A public Wi-Fi network is too sensitive for a hospital setting; 5G is reliable and secure,” he said. “The tests showed that the 5G connection is successful, it works.”
5G is not only faster, more stable and more energy-friendly than 4G, it also offers the possibility of network slicing: part of the connection can be reserved for a particular purpose, so this can never become overloaded and shut down.
“With 5G, part of the network can be allocated to, say, the fire brigade or the police, so they can communicate at all times,” said Van Aken. “Or, in this case, it can be allocated to the surgeon who needs to monitor an urgent surgery remotely.”
About 40 per cent of the total amount of the project was subsidised by the FPS Economy.
#FlandersNewsService | Surgeons use a remote control system as they carry out a surgery with a robotic surgical system © PHOTO THOMAS SAMSON / AFP
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