SPECULAR Project¶

SPECULAR¶

Simulation of Percutaneous Procedures for Liver Tumor Ablation in Virtual Reality¶

ANR-funded research project (2021-2025)

[Scientific Content](project/objectifs.md){ .md-button .md-button--primary } [Consortium](consortium/index.md){ .md-button } [Publications](dissemination/publications.md){ .md-button }

Overview¶

SPECULAR is an innovative research project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) that aims to develop a comprehensive virtual reality training simulator for percutaneous liver tumor ablation procedures.

By combining real-time physical simulation, medical imaging, and haptic feedback, the project provides clinicians with a realistic and immersive training environment for minimally invasive procedures.

4 Partners

4 Years

5+ Publications

1 PhD Theses

Key Features¶

Needle-Tissue Interaction

Real-time simulation of needle insertion in soft, deformable tissues with accurate mechanical modeling

Haptic Feedback

High-frequency force feedback for immersive interaction and realistic tactile sensation

Medical Imaging

Integration with DICOM and medical imaging data for patient-specific scenarios

Real-time Physics

Advanced numerical methods enabling stable and efficient real-time simulation

Research Objectives¶

Develop fast and robust simulation methods for needle-tissue interactions
Integrate realistic mechanical models compatible with real-time constraints
Provide stable and informative haptic feedback for training
Reproduce an immersive operating room environment
Validate the approach in a medical training context

Consortium Partners¶

The SPECULAR consortium brings together leading French research institutions and an industrial partner, combining expertise in:

Computational Mechanics (ICube, University of Strasbourg)
Real-time Simulation (Inria)
Technology Transfer (InfinyTech3D)
Medical Applications (Clinical Partners)

Latest News¶

2025 Paper accepted at RoboSoft 2025 - Contact Reduction methods for soft robotics simulation

2024 Mid-term review completed - Project progressing according to schedule

2023 Eurographics publication - Novel methods for haptic coupling presented

2021 Project kick-off - SPECULAR officially launched with ANR funding

Contact¶

For more information about the SPECULAR project, please contact:

Principal Investigator: Contact via Consortium page
Scientific Coordinator: Email Link

**Funded by ANR - Agence Nationale de la Recherche** *Grant agreement: ANR-XX-XXXXX*