The VOSTARS headset pushes the possibilities of augmented reality (AR) as the first multimodality visor for surgical navigation. The system uses AR to overlay case-specific information on the patient during surgeries with a submillimeter accuracy. The virtual content stays within the surgeon’s visual field, reducing the need to divert attention to external monitors for additional information.

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Through our user research, we found neck strain to be a major concern for surgeons. We overcame this challenge by designing a tilt in the device to allow the surgeons to look 30˚downwards and see all the vital information, without damaging their necks. The device housing was adapted during the mechanical engineering phase to fit two different optical hardware technologies. Our work allowed the research team to compare these display technologies while minimising the production costs. The proof of concept’s housing has entirely been developed and produced by Pilotfish.

Pilotfish supported The University of Pisa and 11 other European partners from the very beginning of the project, leading the industrial design, mechanical engineering and system integration activities. This design is the final proof of concept developed in the research-based project.