Bos receives the prizes for his design of an operation robot that can be used to insert a cochlear implant in the inner ear of a deaf person so they can hear (again). It’s a risky operation usually, because the surgeon has to work very close to the facial and speech nerve. The operation robot should make the procedure easier, faster, and less risky.

Bos’ approach features specially-designed bone screws that are attached to the skull. A doctor can retrieve these screws with the help of an accurate three-dimensional X-ray scan of the head, and use that to plan the procedure precisely. Then the surgeon uses those same screws to attach the tiny robot to the head. The robot subsequently drills a minimum invasive opening through which the implant can be inserted and placed in the exactly right spot in the inner ear, thanks to the 3D scan, which is used a navigation system. The surgeon can monitor the procedure on a screen and interfere if needed.