The Experimental Operating Room (OR) offers master thesis positions for students interested in developing and evaluating next-generation surgical technologies in a real clinical research environment. 

We are looking for motivated students to contribute to ongoing interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of medical technology, computer science, robotics, and AI in healthcare. 

Thesis work is embedded in the Digital Health Lab Düsseldorf and closely connected to the Experimental OR platform at Düsseldorf University Hospital. 

Available Master Thesis Topics 

Topic 1: Embedded Real-Time Safety Zone Tracking for Dynamic Radiation Field Mapping in the OR 

Domain: Embedded Systems, Sensor Fusion, Spatial Computing, Clinical Safety Systems 

Design an embedded system to track the motion state of mobile imaging devices such as C-arms using microcontroller-based sensing. The system continuously updates a dynamic safety zone within the OR based on device motion and supports real-time safety awareness for clinical staff. 

Core Technologies: STM32 / Arduino / ESP32, IMU or external tracking modules, BLE, real-time embedded systems 

Topic 2: Virtual Reality Safety Briefing Application for External OR Visitors 

Domain: Virtual Reality, 3D Interaction, Training Systems 

Develop an interactive VR application that introduces external collaborators (engineers, vendors, researchers) to operating room safety rules and sterile zones through a guided virtual walkthrough environment. 

Core Technologies: Unity or Unreal Engine, Meta Quest, C# / C++ 

Topic 3: Surgical Phase Estimation via Real-Time Tool Tracking and Motion Analytics 

Domain: Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Surgical Workflow Analysis 

Develop an AI system that analyzes surgical tool motion in real time to estimate surgical phases and predict transitions, enabling future context-aware assistance systems like automated documentation. 

Core Technologies: Python, Machine Learning, Object Detection & Tracking, Temporal Models 
 
 

Pooja Salunke 

Digital Health Lab Düsseldorf 
Experimental Operating Room, University Hospital Düsseldorf 
Email: pooja.salunke@med.uni-duesseldorf.de

Please include your CV and a short statement of interest when applying.