Manila Central University Honors Dr. Alexander Co Abad for Pioneering Robotic Touch Technology

Manila Central University (MCU) recently celebrated a significant advancement in Philippine scientific innovation by awarding Dr. Alexander Co Abad the 2nd Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award (FDT-SDA). Dr. Abad was recognized for his groundbreaking research on human-like robotic touch technology, a breakthrough that promises to enhance medical education and healthcare delivery across the Philippines.

Dr. Abad’s acclaimed study, titled "Imitate, Integrate, Iterate, Innovate! (The Story of my Visuotactile Research)", focuses on making life-saving medical training more accessible through cutting-edge robotics and haptic innovation. Central to his research is HAPLOS (Haptics Actuation and Perception using Light Optical Systems), a novel system that replicates the tactile sensations of human skin. This allows robotic devices to perform delicate palpations, detecting lumps, nodules, and early tumors with precision.

Combined with a virtual reality haptic training environment, HAPLOS offers a realistic, safe, and repeatable platform for medical students and professionals to hone diagnostic skills — a transformative development especially valuable for underserved and rural communities.

Dr. Abad expressed that receiving the FDT-SDA fuels his commitment to developing technologies that have meaningful societal impact. He emphasized the potential of innovations like HAPLOS to democratize medical learning and elevate healthcare standards nationwide.

MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr. highlighted the award’s role in recognizing Filipino scientific achievements with real-world benefits that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The award honors the legacy of Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr., whose motto, "In Scientia Solidaritas" (Solidarity in Science), continues to guide MCU’s academic and research vision.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Helix Auditorium within MCU’s Learning Resource Center in Caloocan City as part of the university’s 121st anniversary activities themed "Transcend. Honoring. Innovating. Building." The event reflected MCU’s dedication to fostering research excellence and community-centered innovation.

The selection committee was chaired by Dr. Gaio T. Gonzalez and included esteemed members such as Ms. Giandelu Carissa E. Santos, Dr. Irene Padron, Dr. Charmaine Marie M. Ng, Dean Ferdinand A. Mortel, Dean Karina Marie Batu-Villena, and Ms. Nieves Capili.

Through initiatives like the FDT Scientific Discoverer Award, MCU reinforces its commitment to advancing purposeful and human-focused scientific discovery, inspiring current and future scholars to contribute to national progress and improved quality of life.

For additional details on Manila Central University and the Filemon D. Tanchoco, Sr. Scientific Discoverer Award, please visit mcu.edu.ph.