NSW’s capability for robotic, AI, digital and remote healthcare received a huge boost last night with the opening of the world class Perich Centre for Robotics and Health Technology in Liverpool.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris joined leaders from the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, and members of the Perich family to open the new facility.

Co-located with Liverpool Hospital as part of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, the new centre will be a hub for more than 60 clinical scientists working in robotics, medical AI, digital health and remote diagnosis and intervention.

The NSW Government backs the Ingham Institute as part of its $160 million Medical Research Support Program that funds the state’s vibrant research and innovation ecosystem.

The Ingham Institute has received more than $24 million in NSW Government funding in recent years.

Minister Harris praised the philanthropic generosity of the Perich family in helping to create the facility.

The Perich Centre is a great example of the Government’s vision for the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025 to 2030, and its focus on driving collaboration across NSW Government, health, academia and industry to keep NSW at the forefront of world-leading medical research.

Research projects to be housed at the centre include:

• Remote sensing and wearable devices in midwifery, nursing and women’s health
• Allied health led rehabilitation robotics and gamified therapy for acquired brain injury
• Diverse application of digital solutions for diabetes prevention, child and adolescent wellbeing, and management of gastrointestinal disease
• AI and machine learning in cancer, cardiology, neurology and stroke treatment
• Cost-effectiveness studies of surgical robotics
• Advanced immersive training environments for future health leaders.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said, “With its focus on collaboration at the cutting edge of healthcare, Ingham Institute’s new Centre for Robotics and Health Technology, the Perich Centre, will strengthen Ingham Institute’s position as a national and global leader in digital and robotic healthcare.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring access to life-changing innovation for everyone in the state and this new centre will enable researchers to pioneer new technologies to help ensure no matter where people live - including those in disadvantaged and regional, rural and remote communities - they can have the best possible care.

“The Ingham Institute has a strong focus on translating research from benchtop to bedside for the diverse local communities of South Western Sydney and beyond. This new centre will be the new physical home for that mission, and the NSW Government looks forward to supporting their efforts to ensure a world-class health system in NSW.”