Human-Like Robotic Touch Technology Research Wins at Manila Central University’s 2nd FDT Scientific Discoverer Award

Manila Central University (MCU)’s Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award (FDT-SDA), now in its second year, recently recognized Dr. Alexander Co Abad for his groundbreaking work on “Imitate, Integrate, Iterate, Innovate! (The Story of my Visuotactile Research).” This aims to uplift Filipino communities and expand access to quality medical training and delivery.

His research introduced the ‘Haptics Actuation and Perception using Light Optical Systems’ (HAPLOS), a pioneering system on biomimetic skin-like haptic sensing and VR-driven medical training. HAPLOS reimagines how robots can “feel” and interact during medical diagnostics, bridging robotics, healthcare, and medical education.

“The FDT-SDA serves as a national platform that elevates Filipino scientific achievements by recognizing discoveries that show clear societal benefit, long-term application, and alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco, Jr., MCU President.

Honoring Human-Centered Innovation

Dr. Abad’s work enables robotic systems to perform soft-tissue palpation, the process of detecting lumps or nodules, using human-like tactile abilities sensitive to force, vibration, and texture. By combining HAPLOS with a VR-haptic training platform, the innovation creates an immersive, repeatable, and safe learning environment where medical practitioners and students can enhance their palpation skills, a key component of early tumor detection.

“The Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award inspires me to pursue more innovation, research, and development that can benefit humanity. This award motivates me to develop or invent more technologies that could be used by ordinary people to improve their living conditions,” said Dr. Abad.

Beyond its scientific significance, HAPLOS presents profound social and economic value. It has the potential to broaden access to advanced diagnostic training, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery, expand learning opportunities, and support practitioners, especially in underserved and rural communities across the Philippines.

MCU Celebrates Scientific Excellence and the Legacy of Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr.

Held at the Helix Auditorium, Learning Resource Center Building, MCU, Caloocan City, the FDT-SDA Ceremony celebrated both Filipino innovation and the enduring legacy of Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. His dedication to education, research, and science as drivers of national development continues to shape MCU’s mission to serve society through knowledge creation and discovery.

“The motto he instilled, In Scientia Solidaritas (Solidarity in Science), remains at the heart of MCU’s educational framework, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and institutions. His advocacy for discoveries that uplift the welfare of humanity is reflected today in MCU’s research priorities, partnerships, and the establishment of initiatives like the FDT-SDA,” said Dr. Tanchoco, Jr.

The event underscored MCU’s commitment to recognizing Filipino scientists whose work delivers real-world, community-centered benefits. The FDT-SDA stands as a vital platform for supporting research that transforms lives and “redounds the welfare of the Filipino people,” strengthening the Philippine scientific community and promoting innovations with social impact.

As both recognition and inspiration, the FDT-SDA reflects MCU’s leadership in integrating science with purpose, an ethos central to its academic philosophy.

A Milestone in MCU’s 121st Anniversary Celebration

The awarding ceremony forms part of MCU’s 121st anniversary, marking more than a century of academic leadership and dedication to research excellence. Themed “Transcend. Honoring. Innovating. Building.”, it celebrates the university’s strong heritage while spotlighting innovations that shape the future of healthcare, technology, and education.

The selection of nominees was led by Dr. Gaio T. Gonzalez - FDT SDA Chairman, Ms. Giandelu Carissa E. Santos,, Dr. Irene Padron Head of Institutional Research Office, Dr. Charmaine Marie M. Ng MCU Research Strategist, Dean Ferdinand A. Mortel and Dean Karina Marie Batu - Villena, Ms. Nieves Capili - IACUC Head.

Through the FDT-SDA, MCU reaffirms its belief that science is most meaningful when it serves the Filipino people. The award inspires current and future Centralinos to pursue discovery with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to national development.

To know more about Manila Central University and Filemon D. Tanchoco Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award, visit mcu.edu.ph/.