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3D Slicer–ROS2 Integration for Surgical Robot Simulation

Key Investigators

Joonho Seo (KIMM, South Korea)
Juntae Park (AIRS, South Korea)

Project Description

This project aims to simulate fracture reduction surgery using a Stewart platform–based robotic system. Currently, we rely on an Optical Tracking System (OTS) to calibrate the spatial relationship between patient and robot, enabling visualization and execution of the planned reduction path.

However, the use of OTS comes with considerable cost and practical limitations. To overcome these, we plan to integrate ROS2 directly with 3D Slicer and eliminate the need for external tracking hardware. By using only software communication between 3D Slicer and ROS2, we will visualize and simulate fracture reduction trajectories entirely in a virtual environment.

Objective

Set up an SDF/URDF based ROS2 simulation environment for the Stewart-platform surgical robot
Simulate robot movement in 3D Slicer using ROS2 input

Approach and Plan

Analyze and implement SDF/URDF models for the AIRED Stewart-platform robot
- Create both .sdf and .urdf files representing the AIRED robot structure
- Visualize the robot model in ROS2 RViz for verification
- Attempt visualization using the SlicerROS2 extension
Develop ROS2–3D Slicer communication nodes
- Create ROS2 publisher and subscriber nodes to transmit pose data
- Use ROS2 topics to establish bidirectional communication between ROS2 and 3D Slicer
Simulate and verify robot motion
- Send simulated pose commands via keyboard inputs
- Monitor robot motion in RViz and 3D Slicer during simulation

Progress and Next Steps

Created a basic URDF model of the AIRED Stewart-platform robot
Verified URDF-based visualization in ROS2 RViz
Create an SDF model of the AIRED robot based on the existing URDF model
Implement ROS2–3D Slicer communication for pose exchange
Test real-time motion simulation in both RViz and 3D Slicer using keyboard input

Illustrations

Fracture reduction surgical robot

Visualized the URDF model in 3D Slicer using the SlicerROS2 extension