The Institute of Midwifery Science at the Medical Faculty has been using virtual reality (VR) specifically in the degree program since the winter semester 2024/25, particularly for practice-oriented visualization and the training of birth mechanics processes.

In the project “Virtual training for obstetric birth simulations (V.T.O.B.S.)”, students are equipped with VR headsets. They experience an interactive 360-degree video in which a birthing person is shown in different positions. Particularly impressive is the view inside the body, which makes it possible, for example, to follow the position of the fetus and the course of birth from the outside through to shoulder delivery in a 3D animation. The aim is to enable different perspectives on birth and to present complex birth mechanics processes precisely and clearly. This expands understanding far beyond purely theoretical instruction. 

A key objective of CeMIT is to spark enthusiasm for the surgical disciplines by introducing the latest technologies early in medical studies, in the spirit of a “Surgical Track.” In addition, CeMIT will substantially expand research and teaching at the Medical Faculty with these new techniques and set new standards. In collaboration with Anatomy, Gynecology, Midwifery Sciences, Anesthesiology, the Nursing School, and Emergency Medicine, VR programs have already been developed to better illustrate anatomical spaces, the progression of childbirth, and various emergency scenarios in the shock room and on the general ward. The programs and opportunities will be expanded in the future through collaboration with the Neuroscience degree program and other disciplines.

For students and researchers at the Medical Campus Cologne, the teaching and research lab CeMIT Cologne (Center for Medical Innovation & Technology) provides technologies for extended reality and robotics: Based at the Center of Anatomy, thirteen virtual reality workstations and a robotics room with the Hugo surgical robot are available.  

CeMIT Cologne is part of the Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplant Surgery under the direction of Professor Dr. Christiane J. Bruns. It was founded by Professor Dr. Hans Fuchs, Professor of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery and artificial intelligence in surgery, and PD Dr. Rabi Raj Datta, senior physician and teaching coordinator of the clinic.

The costs for CeMIT Cologne were covered by funds from the Medical Faculty, the University Foundation Cologne, as well as from the Higher Education Pact III of the federal and state governments. The costs for the Hugo surgical robot are covered by the manufacturer Medtronic. The Cologne University Foundation funded the equipment of the VR lab with the necessary hardware and sensors, as well as the very complex programming of the software.

Content contact:
PD Dr. Rabi Raj Datta
Department of General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplant Surgery, Teaching Coordinator of the Department
+49 221 478 6378
rabi.dattauk-koeln.de