Atrium Health is working with IRCAD, a French-based surgical research and training institute, to form the organization’s first North American headquarters and create a space where surgeons can practice performing safer procedures.

The research building will be constructed in Charlotte, NC’s new innovation district, called “The Pearl,” next to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Charlotte campus currently being built, Atrium said Monday.

“We envision IRCAD being a ‘super magnet,’ attracting businesses, physicians and surgeons to train and collaborate in the latest surgical techniques, including: robotics, medical virtual and augmented reality, surgical artificial intelligence and simulation training,” said Eugene Woods, president and CEO of nonprofit Atrium Healthin a news release.

Called the Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l’Appareil Digestif in French, the Institute for Research into Cancer of the Digestive System focuses on educating physicians about minimally invasive surgery techniques through its robotics, research laboratories and research and development units in computer science.