A powerful new chapter in healthcare innovation is here, as Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research officially launches its Centre for Robotics & Health Technology – dedicated to advancing health equity through health technology.
The Perich Centre for Robotics & Health Technology is a flagship multidisciplinary hub; home to Ingham Institute’s clinical research, teaching and advanced training in healthcare automation.
Lauded as an “automation imaginarium,” the Centre was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ingham Institute in Liverpool, attended by members of the Perich family, Minister for Medical Research The Hon. David Harris, MP, and the Centre’s Clinical Lead, Dr Glen Schlaphoff.
“Without ethical engagement, community design and strong clinical leadership, healthcare technologies can actually widen health gaps, rather than reducing them,” said Dr Glen Schlaphoff – Head of Interventional Radiology at SWSLHD. “At Ingham Institute, ‘tech-quity’ drives everything we do — from early-stage innovation to large-scale adoption — so that automation, robotics and digital tools are built and implemented with equity in mind.”
The Centre is home to more than 60 clinician scientists across nursing, midwifery, allied health and medical specialties who are innovating, assessing and accelerating technology to improve lives – starting in South Western Sydney.
Local purpose, national significance, global impact
The Centre is the result of tireless advocacy and passion for healthcare automation, led by the Perich family, Ingham Institute Board of Directors, and Institute Director Professor Les Bokey.
“South West Sydney is one of Australia’s most diverse communities, and it faces some of the country’s toughest health challenges,” said Mark Perich. “If we develop solutions that work here — that are inclusive, ethical, and evidence-based— we can make a difference globally.”
The future of healthcare
Ingham Institute translates community-focused research into community-focused health benefits. The Perich Centre will advance this mission with a focus on:
- Remote diagnostics and intervention, so people can access critical care no matter where they live
- Smarter hospital systems, freeing up time for frontline staff to focus on patients
- Rehabilitation robotics and assistive technology
- Automation of everything from patient access and care to hospital logistics and service delivery
- Advanced training and education, to prepare the next generation of healthcare workers.
Prof Les Bokey said he is delighted to hand leadership of this important work – and advancement of his vision – to the Centre’s clinical lead and ambassador, Dr Glen Schlaphoff.
“The considered and correct adoption of automation in health is not just a moral imperative,” said Prof Bokey. “It’s how we create sustainable health systems, improve outcomes across diverse populations, and unlock the full potential of technology for global health impact.”
Research that’s already changing lives
“Access to life-changing innovation should be for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. David Harris MP. “With its focus on impact, inclusion, and collaboration, this latest development by Ingham Institute is set to become a national and global leader in healthcare automation.”
The Perich Centre will be home to projects including:
- 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.
