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LuxenHome: Affordable, Trend-Driven Furniture for Modern Living in Compact Spaces

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where career shifts and lifestyle changes are increasingly common, furnishing a home is no longer a one-time endeavor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life, with approximately 30% of the workforce changing jobs annually. This dynamic lifestyle demands furniture that adapts to evolving needs—affordable, stylish, and designed for flexibility. This is the problem that LuxenHome would like to solve.

The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.
The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.

Affordability

For decades, this specific furniture market has been dominated by brands offering functional but generic solutions. While affordability has been a priority, many consumers now seek options that balance cost with character and contemporary appeal. LuxenHome addresses this gap by leveraging the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, eliminating middlemen, showroom costs, and excessive overhead. This streamlined approach allows the brand to deliver high-quality furniture and décor at accessible prices.

LuxenHome aims to provide customers with versatile, trend-forward designs that deliver enduring value.

Made for Compact Living Space

Modern living often means maximizing space without compromising style. Research shows that homes in urban and suburban areas average under 1,500 square feet, requiring furniture that prioritizes functionality and adaptability. LuxenHome’s collections are designed to enhance compact spaces—think modular storage units, space-saving seating, and décor accents like mirrors and decorative objects that add depth and personality. Every piece is crafted to ensure seamless integration into smaller layouts, offering practicality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

LuxenHome carries the mentality to not only save space, but also utilize and create space for your living and everyday storage in their design, sourcing, and product curation process.

Up-to-Trend

Interior design trends move as swiftly as the runway—one season it’s all about rustic farmhouse charm, and the next, sleek minimalism takes center stage. Only online brands like LuxenHome have the capability to follow the constantly shifting trends. Being an online seller means the brand essentially lives in the digital world, enabling it to capture every shift in trends much earlier than conventional furniture sellers.

Not only that, online brands are inherently agile, operating with streamlined structures that allow them to adapt quickly to changes in market demand and consumer preferences. This flexibility makes it possible to test new designs and bring them to customers faster than traditional furniture retailers. The chain of operation and reaction is just so much shorter. Many beautiful designs can even be shown to customers before they are produced and distributed to traditional furniture showrooms.

Assembly. It’s All About Experience.

One key hesitation people have about online furniture shopping is the assembly process. LuxenHome has tackled this challenge head-on by ensuring that its products are not only easy to assemble but also designed to optimize the overall experience.

Each piece starts with a well-sorted assembly process, including clearly labeled components and minimal required tools. The carefully crafted assembly instructions are straightforward, with diagrams and steps that ensure even first-time customers can follow along with ease. Beyond this, LuxenHome offers always-on customer service to provide assistance whenever needed. Whether you have a question about a step or encounter a challenge, support is just a call or a click away.

Details Matter

Beyond their dedication to crafting furniture that reflects an individual’s character, LuxenHome is deeply convinced that the smallest details can make the boldest statements. This belief has led to an abundance of decorative items for customers to choose from, allowing them to fill gaps and shelves while complementing their unique vibes. Their decorative collection includes, but is not limited to, planters and pots made from durable materials designed to withstand outdoor elements, vases and vessels that blend modern or antique essences into any interior, and even fountains and birdbaths that bring soothing water sounds to get you into Zen.

About LuxenHome

Owned by Winsome House Inc.—a trusted supplier for major e-tailers since 2017—LuxenHome combines affordability, modern design, and ease of assembly to meet the needs of today’s lifestyles. By embracing the DTC model, the brand delivers furniture and décor that adapts to compact living spaces and ever-changing trends.

Explore the full collection at http://www.luxenhome.com.

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand
Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

On 11 February, Thai authorities arrested three Lao nationals during a cross-border drug smuggling operation along the Mekong River in Ban Phaeng district, Nakhon Phanom Province. 

Thai police intercepted the shipment and arrested three suspects, including two teenagers and one adult. 

The suspects are a 16-year-old male from Khammouane Province, a 17-year-old male from Bolikhamxay Province, and a 30-year-old male, also from Bolikhamxay Province.

During the operation, authorities seized 16 sacks of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” weighing a total of 658 kilograms. In addition, 58 bundles of methamphetamine tablets were confiscated, amounting to approximately 116,000 pills.

The suspects, along with the seized drugs, were immediately taken to Ban Phaeng Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. They remain in police custody and are facing prosecution under Thai law.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports about an imminent drug shipment from Laos into Thailand’s interior through this border area.

This is not the first case in 2025 involving Lao nationals getting arrested for crimes in Thailand. 

On 5 February, Thai authorities also arrested eight Lao nationals in a raid on an illegal online gambling operation in Nong Khai Province. The arrested suspects are set to face charges for organizing illegal gambling and promoting it through electronic media, as well as violating immigration laws.

CHINASHOP 2025: Record 120,000 sqm to Open in Shenzhen, China, May 9-11

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CHINASHOP, Asia’s premier retail industry exhibition, will host its 25th edition at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from May 9-11, spanning a record-breaking 120,000 sqm.

2025CHINASHOP
2025CHINASHOP

Marking its 25th anniversary, the event will showcase China’s retail innovations ——from technologies, infrastructure, to commercial design, supply chain solutions, merchandising strategies, logistics, loss prevention, and asset protection solutions, alongside concurrent forums including the Consumer Goods Channel Selection Conference, Consumer Goods Channel Marketing Innovation Summit, China Supermarket Conference, and the debut of the All-Retail AI Spark Conference. The flagship CHINASHOP Golden Wings Awards will also spotlight industry excellence.

Why Shenzhen?

As China’s technology and manufacturing powerhouse, Shenzhen offers unparalleled insights into AI applications and smart supply chains. Its strategic proximity to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia positions, the city as an ideal hub for global retail collaboration. CHINASHOP 2025 will emphasize AI integration, digital retail transformation, and supply chain optimization, aligning with Shenzhen’s role as a leader in tech-driven industry advancements.

Expanded Focus for 2025

  • Product Innovation Hub: A 20,000-sqm dedicated pavilion will showcase trending goods—from private-label products and health-focused items to regional specialties and coffee—catering to China’s booming discount stores, membership clubs, and convenience chains.
  • AI-Driven Retail: An AI Zone will debut live demonstrations of AI-powered tools, while the All-Retail AI Spark conference convenes 100+ tech leaders to share AI implementation strategies.

CHINASHOP 2025 expects over 900 exhibitors, 200+ industry experts, and 70,000+ attendees worldwide. Join us in Shenzhen from May 9-11 to explore the future of retail and source tomorrow’s best-selling products. CHINASHOP 2025 will redefine retail innovation.

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai Set to Open its Doors this March

Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour


OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.

Dorsett Facade v3

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.

Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.

Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.

“This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group.

BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora!

For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bitcoin and Beyond: Navigating the 2025 Crypto Bull Run with Global Broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors‘ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider.

Octa

Bitcoin Projections for 2025
Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase.

For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply.

Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union.

Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025
Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience.

Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions.

BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations.

Expectations During Crypto Bull Run
As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens.

Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets.

Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems.

The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions.

While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

This article is for informational purposes only and highlights general insights about the financial markets. It is not intended as financial advice or a solicitation of financial services in jurisdictions where such activities are prohibited, including the United Arab Emirates. Readers should seek independent advice and fully understand the risks involved before making any financial decisions.

Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 2025 China – ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is now calling for applications.

Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025
Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025

Please find more information below.

CAIEC is an innovation platform and mechanism that welcomes innovators and entrepreneurs from China and ASEAN universities, institutes, start-ups and other social organizations. Based on the existing projects, the best projects will be selected and awarded according to the unified scoring criteria. Thus continuous efforts will be made to promote China-ASEAN innovation and entrepreneurship and foster a closer STI China-ASEAN community with a shared future. In collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, TusStar Malaysia and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China will host the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Theme: Innovation Cooperation for a Shared Dream

Enterprises and teams that meet the participating requirements can log on to the official website of the Competition (www.caiec.cattc.org.cn) to download the registration form and commitment letter. The completed registration form, commitment letter, and all relevant registration documents should be sent to the email: caiec2022@vip.163.com

The email subject should be “CAIEC Registration-Project Name-Contact Person”.

The registration should be submitted via email only. No registration fee is charged for the Competition.

Registration Period: December 31st, 2024 to March 1st, 2025.

Deadline for submission: March 1st, 2025

Participating Groups and Requirements

The Competition is open to universities, research institutes, enterprises, and other social organizations from China and ASEAN Member States. The participants are divided into Enterprise Group and Team Group.

  1. Enterprise Group
  • Legally registered in China or ASEAN Member States. The intellectual property rights of participating projects shall be dispute-free.Registered and established after January 1st, 2019 (inclusive).
  • The registered capital does not exceed USD 4.5 million.The operating income of the enterprise in 2023 does not exceed USD 30 million.
  • Non-listed enterprises that comply with local rules and have an excellent social reputation without bad records (enterprises listed on the NEEQ or the Regional Equities Exchange and Quotations are allowed to participate in the Competition).

2. Team Group

  • Teams with technological innovation achievements and entrepreneurial plans that have not been registered as enterprises currently, such as entrepreneurs, excellent start-ups in the field of S&T, start-up groups from universities, etc.
  • The products, technologies, and related intellectual property shall belong to the core members and be free from property rights disputes.

Field

The Competition is registered and competed in the field of green and low-carbon technologies, including but not limited to: energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy, new energy vehicles, new materials, carbon neutrality technologies and circular economy, etc.

Participation Requirements

a. All participating groups will be divided into Enterprise Group and Team Group. Each participating group should consist of at least three core members (including three), no more than 6 members in principle. Joint groups consisting of members from China, ASEAN  Member States and other countries are strongly encouraged. Among the core members, the proportion of Chinese or ASEAN team members should be no less than 50%.

b. Participants must strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China and AMS and follow both sides’ public order and good customs. (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations includes 10 countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam)

c. Projects that have won awards in previous China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competitions are not eligible to participate in this Competition.

Language

The official language of the Competition is English. All registration documents, including the registration form, commitment letter, business plans, and presentation materials (like Pitch Deck) must be submitted in English. The presentation and Q&A of the Final will also be conducted in English.

Competition Sessions

The Competition consists of three sessions: Registration and Eligibility Check, Initial Selection and the Final, with evaluations conducted separately for the Enterprise Group and Team Group.

The more detailed information is available here: www.caiec.cattc.org.cn

 

 

Citi expects social finance funding in Asia to increase by over 10% in 2025

SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The increase in 2025 is expected to be across various types of financings including social trade loans, securitizations, co-financing partnerships with development agencies, term loans and revolving working capital facilities, as well as IPOs.

“The pipeline is across markets, products, and different sectors. We are also seeing increasing investor demand for access to invest in social finance, and it is increasingly becoming a key asset class,” said Jorge Rubio Nava, Global Head of Social Finance at Citi.

In 2024, Citi led social finance transactions raised over US$2 billion across Asia. These included areas across microfinance, food security and sustainable agriculture systems, healthcare, education, infrastructure and digital connectivity, and affordable housing for underserved and low-income communities.

  • In 2024, Citi led 76 transactions across Asia.
  • US$2.4 billion funds mobilized – over 50% of the bank’s total transactions and more than 40% of total funds making it largest region globally for Citi for social finance financings.
  • 1.56 million underserved and low-income households reached, including 565,000 (36%) women.
  • 9 countries – Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
  • Social Finance segments – Economic and financial inclusion, Healthcare, Food security and sustainable agricultural, Education, Affordable housing and basic infrastructure as well as Digital connectivity.

“We are confident that we can grow this further in 2025, supporting our clients on their journeys towards sustainable growth in their local economies,” added Jorge.

Alexandra Hospital develops world’s novel A.I. algorithm (with international patent) that enhances accuracy and efficiency of robotic total knee replacement

Newspoints:

  • An A.I. algorithm for robotic total knee replacement (rTKR) has secured an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent[1], that protects this algorithm for robotic total knee replacement for its uniqueness, exclusivity, novelty and proprietary rights. Filed since August 2024 in over 150 member countries to seek patent protection, to-date, there are no other similar concepts or technologies found through rigorous examination and vast data searching by independent patent authorities. Singapore’s patent was obtained earlier in October 2023.
  • More than 200 patients have benefited from this novel approach since 2023.
  • The algorithm has an implant planning accuracy of within ±0.5mm, and has shown an accuracy of 92% for rTKRs, compared to 52% in the manually planned group, in achieving the surgeon-defined target gaps within ±1.5mm. This enhanced precision in surgical planning helps with final implant placement.
  • By replacing manual intraoperative adjustments with AI-driven optimization, the technology reduces surgical duration by approximately 15 minutes, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A team at Alexandra Hospital (AH) Orthopaedic Surgery has obtained an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization, and that protects this algorithm for robotic total knee replacement for its uniqueness, exclusivity, novelty and proprietary rights. Filed since August 2024 in over 150 member countries to seek patent protection, to-date, there are no other similar concepts or technologies found through rigorous examination and vast data searching by independent patent authorities. Singapore’s patent was filed in October 2023 earlier, and had established that as a computational algorithm designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of robotic total knee replacements (rTKR), it is one of a kind.

Dr Glen Liau Consultant, Division of Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Alexandra Hospital.  Mr Ryan Loke, final year medical student Dr Matthew Ng, house officer Showcasing a novel AI-based algorithm for robotic TKR which enhances accuracy and efficiency
Dr Glen Liau Consultant, Division of Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Alexandra Hospital. Mr Ryan Loke, final year medical student Dr Matthew Ng, house officer Showcasing a novel AI-based algorithm for robotic TKR which enhances accuracy and efficiency

The algorithm was developed by Dr Glen Liau Zi Qiang, Orthopaedic Surgery Consultant at Alexandra Hospital (AH) and National University Hospital (NUH), in collaboration with Dr Matthew Ng Song Peng, and Mr Ryan Loke Wai Keong, who were both medical students when they embarked on this project with Dr Liau. This AI-powered innovation optimizes personalised implant positioning in rTKR surgeries by integrating patient-specific unique anatomical characteristics with the surgeon’s preferred surgical philosophy.

Since 2023, more than 150 patients have successfully undergone this innovative approach, which addresses the challenges of manual planning during surgery. It has been shown to both significantly improve accuracy in surgical planned positioning of the knee components, and reduce surgical duration, with the potential to improve postoperative outcomes and implant longevity.

Addressing Challenges in rTKR Procedures

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries are among the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures, particularly for patients suffering from severe knee pain due to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. The prevalence of these surgeries has risen by 2.7 times, increasing from 187 per 100,000 individuals aged 65 and above in 1999, to 499 per 100,000 in 2019[2].

Robotic-assisted TKR surgeries have gained popularity over the past five years due to their potential to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. However, challenges remain: achieving optimal implant positioning that accounts for both the patient’s unique bony and ligamentous anatomy, and the surgeon’s objectives. Accurate positioning of the implants is critical for the post-operative biomechanical function of the knee, patient’s comfort, and success of the operation.

Currently, rTKR surgeons manually plan and adjust the positioning of femur and tibia implants intraoperatively. This can be a complex process, as it requires 3-dimensional space consideration of the two implants in at least 8 axes of movement / degrees of freedom. As each degree of freedom influences the others, it can be challenging to achieve the most ideal position of implants for each patient. This may require a surgeon to take into consideration thousands of possibilities, with a possibility of needing to redo bone saw cuts and soft tissue releases multiple times, or to utilise planning simplifications that could impact surgical precision. The decision-making process is further complicated by time constraints in the operating room, often limiting the number of possible solutions a surgeon can explore. As a result, manual planning can be time-consuming and may introduce variability in surgical outcomes.

Features of the new AI-algorithm Solution

The novel developed AI algorithm addresses these challenges by streamlining and automating implant positioning within the rTKR workflow. By considering at least eight degrees of freedom and their interdependencies, the algorithm computes thousands of permutations to determine the optimal implant placement.

Key features of the algorithm include:

  • Enhanced Accuracy: Achieves an implant planned positioning accuracy of ±0.5mm that is personalised for both the patient’s unique anatomy, and individual surgeon’s philosophy.
  • Computational Efficiency: Within 0.1 seconds, the algorithm solves for a hyperplane of thousands of solutions and ranks optimal solutions effectively.
  • Reduced Surgical Duration: Minimizes time spent on intraoperative planning, reducing overall surgical duration.

Clinical Benefits and Future Prospects

This algorithm has been shown to significantly increase the accuracy of planning for TKR implants and saves valuable time during surgery, which potentially translates into reduced blood loss and shorter anaesthesia duration. Further long-term studies are being conducted to investigate the degree that this innovation may improve patient outcomes and safety by decreasing rates of suboptimal implant positions, unnecessary operative time, blood loss, infection rate. By improving planning accuracy, this may also lower the risk of postoperative complications such as loosening, wear, and instability, reducing the number of revision surgeries needed, and contributing to better long-term implant function and longevity, and lead to cost savings over time.

A prospective study involving 67 rTKR patients between 2021 and 2023 demonstrated the algorithm’s effectiveness:

  • Accuracy: 92% of rTKRs using the algorithm achieved the surgeon-defined target gaps within ±1.5mm, compared to 52% in the manual planning group.
  • Time Efficiency: The AI-assisted group achieved optimal gap balancing in under 0.1 seconds, compared to 15 minutes in the manual planning group, which included redo bone saw cuts and soft tissue releases.
  • Consistency: The algorithm’s performance was unaffected by variables such as patient age, gender, height, or severity of knee degeneration.
  • Surgical Productivity: Procedures utilizing the algorithm were completed approximately 48% faster than those relying on manual planning[3].

The research underpinning this innovation has been recognized at major scientific forums, including the 2024 Singapore Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting, where it received the P  Balasubramaniam Award as the best research paper. It has also been selected for presentation at the 2024 International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) Scientific Congress in the USA and the 2025 International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Congress in Germany.

Looking Ahead

“I am passionate about incorporating innovative solutions to enhance my patient outcomes.” said Dr Glen Liau who practices and operates at both AH and NUH. “It brings me great joy and satisfaction to see my patients enjoy a significantly improved quality of life following surgery,” he added. With ongoing studies to validate its long-term impact, this AI-driven approach has the potential to set new standards in robotic-assisted orthopaedic surgery, ultimately benefiting both patients and surgeons worldwide.

Click to see AH’s video on this new approach

[1] This PCT application itself does not automatically confer this novel solution as the “world’s first”. 
[2] Managing Healthcare Cost Increases (https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/managing-healthcare-cost-increases)
[3] From an average duration of an hour plus to under 40 minutes.