About ITAG Technology Laboratory
Pushing the boundaries of what's possible through interdisciplinary research and innovation
Our Mission
ITAG Technology Laboratory is dedicated to developing transformative technologies that address the world's most pressing challenges through the convergence of computing, engineering, and life sciences.
We foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to create solutions that improve human health, environmental sustainability, and technological capabilities.
Innovation
Boldly exploring new frontiers and pushing beyond conventional boundaries
Collaboration
Bringing together diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges
Impact
Creating technologies that meaningfully improve lives and systems
Experience
Over 20 years of excellence in advancing medical education
Our Journey
From our foundation to our latest breakthroughs, explore the key milestones that have defined ITAG's path of innovation in medical technology.
Foundation of ITAG
ITAG Technology Laboratory was established with a vision to revolutionize anesthesia technology.
McSleepy Development
Creation of the world's first completely automated anesthesia system, nicknamed "McSleepy".
Transcontinental Anesthesia
Achieved first remote administration of anesthesia across continental distances.
Kepler Intubation System
Developed the first intubation robot for automated airway management.
Magellan System
Created the first robotic ultrasound-guided nerve block system used in humans.
MAMO Simulator
High-fidelity Montreal-built simulator for realistic augmentation mammoplasty training.
McGill OB-Sim
Advanced surgical training simulators for bariatric procedures.
SAT MAP
Development of the SAT Map ultrasound based system for enhanced estimation of fat volume/distribution.
ITAG Spinal Simulator (ISS)
Simulator for difficult lumbar puncture training with VR/AR-enhanced guidance.
NerveGPS
Innovative navigation system for precise nerve location and treatment.
RoboDoc
Voice-enabled AI system for real-time medical transcription and clinical communication in family medicine.
Robodoc Plastics
Specialized robotic system for plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Recent Publications
Our latest research contributions to the field of medical technology and anesthesia.
Our Team
Led by world-renowned researchers and innovators, our team brings together diverse expertise and a shared passion for technological advancement.
Prof. Thomas Hemmerling
Laboratory Director
Dr. Thomas M. Hemmerling, MD, MSc, DEAA, is an anesthesiologist and biomedical innovator with over 20 years at McGill University. A recognized leader in anesthesia technology, he serves as Chair of the Research Committee for the Society for Technology in Anesthesia and as Associate Editor for the Technology section of Anesthesia & Analgesia. His work spans intelligent systems, sustainability, and clinical innovation, and includes several world-first developments in robotic anesthesia and automated care delivery.
Dr. Pascal Langois
Collaborator and Consultant
Dr. Pascal L. Langlois, MD, MSc is a physician-scientist and Co-founder at Divocco AI (under Divocco Medical) in Montreal, where he plays a senior leadership role steering bioinformatics and clinical innovation. Based in cardiac anesthesia and embedded AI tools, he bridges clinical care with AI-powered decision systems. His background reflects strong expertise in anesthesiology and health data science that drives product strategy and translational research across the company.
Dr. Joshua Morse
Collaborator and Consultant
Dr. Joshua Morse, MD, MSc, is the CTO of Divocco AI, a Montreal-based startup advancing anesthesiology through AI-driven medical technologies. With a background in experimental surgery from McGill University, he works at the intersection of clinical research, engineering, and software development. His work focuses on translating innovative tools into real-world clinical applications.
Dr. Constantine Papanastasiou
Collaborator and Consultant
Dr. Constantine Papanastasiou is a family physician and acute care specialist with a background in business and experimental surgery. He holds a B.Admin from the John Molson School of Business and an MSc from McGill University, where he also completed his residency. He is interested in applying AI to improve care delivery and has piloted automation systems in his clinical practice.
Sean Jeffries
Lab Manager and Research Associate
Sean D. Jeffries has a background in experimental surgery, biomedical science, and applied AI. He combines deep research expertise with advanced software development skills, leading day-to-day lab operations, managing multidisciplinary projects, and contributing to the design and deployment of clinical technologies across mobile, web, and embedded platforms.
Robert Harutyunyan
PhD Student
Robert Harutyunyan, PhD Student is a doctoral candidate in Experimental Surgery within the ITAG lab at McGill University. He co-founded Divocco AI and serves as Chief Product Officer, bringing together clinical insight, biomedical engineering, and product development to drive innovation in medical technology.
Eric Pelletier
PhD Student
Eric D. Pelletier, PhD Student is a doctoral candidate in Surgical and Interventional Sciences at McGill University’s ITAG lab. With a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering from McGill (2023) and active work in experimental surgery, Eric’s technical focus spans machine learning, image analysis, and biomedical device prototyping. He is advancing research on wearable device integration in perioperative anesthesia and AI-guided clinical tools. He also co-developed ITAG’s spinal simulator and co-authored multiple studies on reinforcement learning and image-based guidance systems.
Zheyan Tu
PhD Student
Zheyan Tu is a PhD student in Experimental Surgery at McGill's ITAG lab. His research focuses on applying deep reinforcement learning to automated drug delivery, with a particular emphasis on optimizing propofol dosing. He is advancing the use of AI for closed-loop anesthesia control, contributing to the development of safer and more adaptive clinical systems.
Oliver Cafferty
PhD Student
Oliver Cafferty is a PhD student at McGill University specializing in applied AI for anesthesiology and acute care. His work focuses on developing intelligent clinical systems, including real-time decision support tools, automated documentation, and dynamic triage platforms. With a background in biomedical research and software engineering, he contributes to projects that bridge technical innovation and clinical impact across mobile, web, and embedded applications.
Our Partners
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We partner with leading organizations across academia, industry, and the public sector.
Educational Programs
ITAG Technology Laboratory is committed to training the next generation of researchers and innovators through various educational programs.
Graduate Studies
Research opportunities for Masters and PhD students focused on medical technology innovation, robotics, and AI in healthcare.
Learn MoreGraduate Postdoc
Advanced research positions for postdoctoral fellows pursuing cutting-edge developments in medical technology and automation.
Learn MoreUndergrad Capstone
Final-year engineering projects working with real medical technologies and contributing to ongoing research initiatives.
Learn MoreUndergrad Research Development
Research experience opportunities for undergraduate students to develop skills in medical technology and innovation.
Learn MoreInterested in joining our research team?
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