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Brian Mann

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
238 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708-0300
238 Hudson Hall, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708

Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations


Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science · 2016 - Present Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering
Associate Professor in Surgery · 2025 - Present Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Surgery

Recent News Items


Published September 22, 2022
Duke Engineering News
The Roboticists Are Coming
Published November 21, 2021
Duke Engineering News
Cross-Training Graduate Students to Develop Smart Robotic Surgical Instruments

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Recent Scholarly Works


Insufflatable Modular Abdominal Simulation Environment (MASE) for Surgical Training Simulation.

Journal article Surg Innov · May 8, 2026 Background/NeedLaparoscopic abdominal surgery requires navigating unique technical challenges with precision, dexterity, and a thorough understanding of anatomy. There is a need for higher-fidelity training models to assist in improving trainee competence. ... Full text Link to item Cite

Quantitative assessment of laparoscopic camera navigation skill: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Journal article Surg Endosc · March 2026 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a low-cost, automated tool using trajectory-based metrics and real-time computer vision can objectively assess laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN) skill and distinguish between levels of surgical experience. Laparoscopic cam ... Full text Link to item Cite

Design and Evaluation of a Compliant Quasi-Direct Drive End-Effector for Safe Robotic Ultrasound Imaging

Journal article IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics · January 1, 2026 Robot-assisted ultrasound scanning promises to advance autonomous and accessible medical imaging. However, ensuring patient safety and compliant human-robot interaction during probe contact poses a significant challenge. Most existing systems either have h ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Thermal Modeling for Dive Planning with a Yazback Wetsuit

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Office of Naval Research · 2024 - 2027

Multi-Axis Testing Research LANL RFP CW45342

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Los Alamos National Laboratory · 2023 - 2027

Title: NRT-FW-HTF: NSF Traineeship in the Advancement of Surgical Technologies

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2027

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Education


Washington University in St. Louis · 2003 D.Sc.
Washington University in St. Louis · 1999 M.S.
University of Missouri, Columbia · 1996 B.S.