TUM Unveils First Medical Robot for Remote Chest Decompression on Evacuation Flights

Researcher Carolin Müller from TUM Klinikum presents a new robotic module developed for cases of tension pneumothorax.

(IN BRIEF) At Automatica 2025, TUM researchers present a first-of-its-kind medical robot able to perform remote decompression of life-threatening tension pneumothorax during evacuation flights. Fueled by the European Defence Fund’s €25 million iMEDCAP grant, the system merges ultrasound diagnostics with a needle-catheter end effector to safely release trapped air in the chest. The wider project also includes the Avilus Grille medical drone—equipped with robotic arms for in-flight treatment—and future modules for intraosseous drug delivery, automatic tourniquet application, and chemical-attack response. Spearheaded by TUM’s Trauma Surgery and MiMed teams, these innovations aim to bring critical care to patients in combat zones, disaster areas, or remote locations where every minute matters.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 23-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have unveiled an innovative robotic system capable of performing life-saving chest decompression remotely aboard evacuation flights. Designed to relieve tension pneumothorax—where trapped air in the pleural cavity dangerously compresses the lungs and heart—the telemedical solution debuts today at the Automatica robotics trade fair in Munich. Developed under the EU-funded iMEDCAP project, the technology promises to bring advanced trauma care to injured patients in otherwise inaccessible environments.

TUM clinician-engineer Carolin Müller led the creation of a specialized “end effector” module that combines a needle-catheter assembly with onboard ultrasound imaging. By precisely locating either the second (Monaldi) or fifth (Bülau) intercostal space via ultrasound, the robotic arm can insert the decompression needle, withdraw it, and leave the catheter in place—allowing life-threatening air buildup to escape. In field tests, the system not only confirms the presence of pneumothorax but also buys crucial time for soldiers or accident victims before they reach a hospital, as described by Professor Peter Biberthaler of TUM’s Trauma Surgery clinic.

The iMEDCAP consortium, funded with €25 million by the European Defence Fund since December 2023, unites 24 partners from nine countries—including the German Ministry of Defence and TUM spin-out AVILUS—to pioneer intelligent medical and evacuation technologies. One centerpiece is the Avilus Grille drone, now in trials, which carries robotic arms capable of executing remote emergency procedures mid-flight under physician guidance.

Beyond chest decompression, TUM’s MiMed Rescue Robotics group, led by Prof. Tim Lüth and Dr. Christoph Parhofer, is developing additional modules for battlefield and disaster scenarios: osseous (intraosseous) access for drug delivery directly into bone, automated tourniquet application to halt severe limb bleeding, and chemical-agent countermeasures such as atropine injection. Robustness and fail-safe operation are paramount, as every second counts when treating critically injured individuals.

A guided demonstration for media will take place on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Automatica Hall B4, Stand 329. For accreditation, contact andreas.schmitz@tum.de. The full suite of robotic medical modules and other live demos run from 24–27 June.