Changing Reality: The Innovative XRH Laboratory was launched at HIT

The XRH (eXtended Reality in Healthcare) Laboratory combines extended reality (XR) technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), setting new standards in research, development, and implementation of advanced medical technologies.

In the picture, Minerva management together with HIT management. Credit: Ilanit Kitzoni

The XRH Lab focuses on developing advanced tools that enable significant change in several key medical areas:

• Physician Education and Training (and healthcare professionals in general)
• Advanced simulations that replicate real medical situations and provide high-level practical training.
• Surgical Planning: Creating three-dimensional models for simulation and planning of complex surgical procedures.
• Patient Rehabilitation: Using XR technologies to assist in rehabilitation processes and improve patients' daily functioning.
• Medical Diagnosis and Intervention: Development and implementation of innovative tools for early diagnosis and more precise medical interventions.

The XRH Lab utilizes extended reality technologies that combine virtual and physical elements in an immersive and interactive way. Using advanced models and artificial intelligence, the laboratory can simulate complex medical scenarios, provide deep insights into patient functioning, and offer personalized solutions for each case.

XR technologies provide doctors and therapists with tools for analysis and critical decision-making in real-time. The laboratory also serves as a data source for advanced research, helping to discover new insights about diseases, treatment methods, and rehabilitation.

"The XRH Lab embodies our vision for medical innovation," said Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT. "Through the integration of extended reality technologies, we provide tools that transform how patients receive medical care and how doctors learn and train."

Dr. Refael Barkan, Vice President of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Internationalization and founder of the Department of Digital  Medical Technologies at HIT, added: "Beyond focusing on developing and implementing XR technologies for diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring of various clinical conditions, the lab also develops and implements XR technologies in aspects of interpersonal communication between patients and caregivers, training patients for complex situations and procedures, and more. The lab adds an important layer to the four MedTech research laboratories currently operating at HIT in full synchronization, emphasizing the transformation of ideas or clinical needs into products."

The laboratory is the result of collaboration with MinervaXR, founded by Tal Kroitoro and Ido Peretz, graduates of the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management. The technology developed by MinervaXR creates immersive learning environments that enable significant improvement in the skills of doctors and therapists.

"MinervaXR brings a unique approach connecting advanced technology and medical education," said Shmuel Goldberg, CEO of HIT, "Together we position HIT at the forefront of medical innovation."