Prof. Shorya Awtar has received the ASME Leonardo da Vinci Award for the invention, design, and development of FlexDex TM – a novel mechanical technology platform that, for the first time, offers enhanced dexterity, intuitive control, and natural force feedback in minimally invasive surgical procedures at an affordable price. This technology was developed by Prof. Awtar and his students in the Precision Systems Design Lab, while working in collaboration with Dr. James Geiger, Professor of Surgery at the CS Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan.
The Leonardo da Vinci Award recognizes eminent achievement in the design and invention of a product or technology that represents an important advance in machine design. Prof. Awtar received this award at the 2011 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences held in Washington DC (Aug 28-31).