BrainMap

Mr. Florin Covaciu

Dr.-Eng.

Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Researcher | Teaching staff | PhD supervisor

Florin COVACIU, Habil., PhD, Eng., is an Associate Professor and PhD Supervisor in Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. He holds an Engineering degree in Automation and Applied Informatics (2009) and an MSc in Industrial Process Automation Control Systems (2011). He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 with the thesis “The Simulation, Actuation and Control of Parallel Robots for Brachytherapy” and his Habilitation in 2024 with the thesis “Contributions Regarding the Development of Robotic Systems and Applications Dedicated to Them Using Virtual Reality Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms”. His research interests include robotics, automation, AI, digital twins, VR/MR, 3D CAD, 3D scanning, software, web technologies and educational software. He has authored five books and over 50 scientific publications indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore.

Web of Science ResearcherID: AAW-6796-2021

Curriculum Vitae (24/07/2026)

Expertise & keywords

New smart and adaptive robotics solutions for personalized minimally invasive surgery in cancer treatment Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 2023 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/athena/index.php/en/

Abstract:

ATHENA aims to develop European relevant solutions in the field on oncologic surgery in the form of new smart and adaptive robotic medical devices focused on personalized, minimally invasive interventions. The project will setup of a pole of competence in robotic assisted interventional oncology and diagnosis within the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca capable of attracting young research specialists and deliver research excellence.

New frontiers in adaptive modular robotics for patient - centered medical rehabilitation Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 2023 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/asklepios/index.php/en/

Abstract:

New frontiers in adaptive modular robotics for patient - centered medical rehabilitation Call name:
PNRR-III-C9-2022 – I8 2023 - 2026

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (); UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/asklepios/index.php/en/

Abstract:

ASKLEPIOS aims to develop an intelligent robotic system able to adapt, learn and improve as to deliver optimal personalized multi-modal therapies for patients with neuromotor deficit of different causes. According to the Project Call Objectives ASKLEPIOS will focus on new fundamental research.

Exoskeleton system for human augmentation Call name:
1PCSD/2022 2022 - 2025

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA ()

Project website:

Abstract:

An innovative modular rehabilitation robot for the efficient therapy of lower limb motor deficit Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3430 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/Hope2Walk/home.html

Abstract:

Hope2Walk is implemented by a complementary team of specialists in the technical field (medical robotics, and bioengineering) and medical experts (neurology, neuro-surgery) which aim to provide a competent experimental model of a robotic system used for the rehabilitation of lower limb monoparesis of bedridden patients. This condition appears following a neurological event such as stroke, a trauma at the level of the spine or brain or following a surgical procedure on the nervous system. On a worldwide level there exist multiple robotic devices that perform physical therapy for gait rehabilitation, however there are no documented solutions for the lower limb spatial rehabilitation for bedridden patients, making the Hope2Walk solution novel at global level. The Hope2Walk team aims to develop an experimental model for the treatment of lower limb monoparesis in the form of a new product starting from a previously developed demonstrator RAISE, which consists of two coupled modules for the rehabilitation of hip, knee and ankle joints. This demonstrator will be further developed from a TRL3 into an integrated robotic system at TRL 4 delivering: (1) a robotic module for the hip and knee rehabilitation; (2) a robotic module for the ankle rehabilitation – the module should enable also its independent use for the specific treatment of foot drop; (3) an enhanced control system embedding assistive and task-based interactive exercises (as HRI modalities used in rehabilitation) and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device; (4) robot mounted and patient attached sensors to provide on-site real-time data for patient monitoring, AI agents and FES integration; (5) an enhanced user-interface with embedded decision algorithms that will adapt the therapy based on real-time sensor data and enable the fast definition of personalized treatment exercises/plans. The enhanced solution will be validated in a succession of laboratory tests and pre-clinical trials.

New frontiers in robotic assisted single port surgery: a novel robotic system with dexterous instruments Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0572 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://cester.utcluj.ro/Challenge/index.html

Abstract:

Single port surgery, or single site laparoscopic surgery-SSLS, was introduced in healthcare to extend the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery. While the curative potential of SLSS is hindered by the drawbacks of the manual procedure, the use of a master – slave concept in which the surgeon manipulates dexterous haptic devices to control robotic arms which achieve the positioning of the instruments has the potential to eliminate all the disadvantages while maximizing the benefits.

In this context, Challenge aims to develop a completely new robotic system designed for SSLS and corresponding instruments that will open new frontiers in this procedure.

The main objective of the project is the development of a novel modular robotic system with dexterous instruments (both based on parallel structures) and advanced software (implemented on a master console) for the master-slave control of the robotic system and training modules for robotic SSLS. The Challenge robotic system will provide solutions to the current limitations of the SSLS and will ensure patient safety and procedure ergonomics, with applications in urology and abdominal surgery.

This challenging task is assumed by a team of engineers and expert surgeons (with experience in robotic surgery) who will provide a valuable solution that will remove the current barriers in the use of SSLS. The involvement of young researchers is a major priority, post-doctoral and PhD students being involved in all the project activities.

Innovative development of Rehabilitation and Assistive Healthy Ageing Robotic Systems Call name:
-

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

Robotic assisted prostate biopsy, a high accuracy innovative method Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0647 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD FILIALA INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI PENTRU INSTRUMENTATIE ANALITICA CLUJ NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cester.utcluj.ro/robocore/index.html

Abstract:

Prostate cancer is the most widely spread form of cancer, generally affecting men of age over 45. Several studies showed that 80% of the men over 70 had different forms of prostate cancer, most of them not being aware of that.

As in any disease, early diagnosis allows simpler curative actions, less patient trauma, better life expectancy and quality for the patient. Nevertheless, the diagnosis for prostate cancer is carried in the same way as it was performed 50 years ago. It involves a 12-core, transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS). This technique is performed without knowing the exact 3D tumours location and it was proven that in 30% of the cases, it provides false-negative results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables a better view of the prostate with clear tumour definition, but MRI guided biopsy can be achieved only with MRI compatible materials which make the procedure prohibitive. The current worldwide diagnosis technique for prostate cancer has some major drawbacks: low real-time image quality, blind biopsy and impossibility of registering the 3D location of the biopsy cores.

Early and correct diagnosis represents a critical priority and due to the current limitations it becomes the starting point of the ROBOCORE project. The consortium proposes the development of a system to achieve high accuracy ultrasound guided prostate biopsies through: ► the biopsy accuracy increase by the development of a robot capable to position the biopsy gun using the visual feedback from the TRUS probe, and ► the achievement of a software solution which performs the simulation, in virtual reality, of the prostate biopsy using MRI data.

The project aim is to develop a robotic system which combines the MRI capacity to identify malignant tissue and precisely define the biopsy targets with the accessibility and real-time capability of an ultrasound guided system. Using the virtual reality software the coordinates of the biopsy targets are identified, and using the robot the biopsy is performed with high accuracy. The system has two major components: ► a robot capable to perform the TRUS guided biopsy based on specific points of interest identified before, and ► an advanced software capable to perform the simulation in a virtual environment for the robotic assisted prostate biopsy.

Based on the defined aim and estimated results (Experimental Model of the robot capable of performing prostate biopsies + simulation software in virtual reality environment for the prostate biopsy + trained young scientists, 6 PhD students +patent +10 papers + 5 communications) ROBOCORE addresses the Domain 7–Innovative Materials, Processes and Products, and responds to the demands formulated in the research theme 7.3.2 Applied mechatronics; intelligent mechatronic products and systems.

The consortium is coordinated by the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca with renowned specialists in the field of parallel robots, and four institutional partners: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca with a team of urology doctors specialised in prostate cancer, University Transilvania of Brasov, which provides the software and virtual reality specialists, the Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation with know-how in the development of medical devices and a private company, Electronic April Cluj-Napoca, specialised in medical apparatus development and commercialization. It must be stated that all the consortium members have previous experience and successful achievements in the field of medical robotics.

The end-product of ROBOCORE is an innovative complex system, which aims to provide accurate diagnosis in early cancer stages, enabling the proper therapy identification and an active surveillance of the tumours evolution which reduces the patient discomfort, provides him the right treatment at the right time and also enables proper follow-up after each evaluation or therapy stage.

Robotic assisted brachytherapy, an innovative approach of inoperable cancers Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0414 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://www.cester.utcluj.ro/chance.html

Abstract:

Cancer is one of the main causes of death nowadays, due to a complex set of uncontrollable natural and artificial factors. An innovative option in the fight against cancer is brachytherapy (BT), called also internal radiation. BT enables to deliver higher doses of radiation to more-specific areas of the body, compared with the conventional form of radiation therapy. That means a very high dose can be delivered to a well defined area, without harming the healthy tissue in the immediate vicinity. The precision of the radioactive placement is crucial, as a geographical miss of a part of the tumor might cause a recurrence, whereas inserting the catheters outside the tumor will profoundly and uselessly irradiate healthy tissue, inducing necrosis and severe complications.

The project consortium proposes an innovative minimal invasive approach in brachytherapy interventions, offering viable solutions for the treatment of cancer patients considered inoperable.

Therefore, CHANCE intends to develop a robotic system having high accuracy and dexterity able to insert the BT catheters in deeply situated primary or recurrent cancers, in cases judged inoperable whether by the topography/extension of the disease or by the medical general condition. These include paravertebral tumors, retroperitoneal sarcomas, head and neck cancers, brain, liver, lung, bone or any inoperable symptomatic metastases.

In the new proposed concept the pre-planning phase will be longer, but the operating time and the invasivity on the patient is minimized, offering the inoperable cancer patient a chance to survive.

The aim of the project can be defined: The project intends to exploit the complementary competences from different fields in order to develop innovative solutions with outstanding performances due to accurate control systems based on the concept and characteristics of advanced robotics in order to offer efficient solutions for minimally invasive approach in the treatment of inoperable cancers.

Simulation and control techniques for robots used in minimally invasive surgery Call name:
2011 - 2013

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects