RoboScan (ultrasound robot)

2023: Development of software and hardware complex for robot control

In early April 2022, Russian researchers from the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) announced the development of a software and hardware complex for controlling a robot for autonomous ultrasound studies (ultrasound). The project was named RoboScan.

It is said that RoboScan is a specialized autonomous complex for ultrasound, separating the processes of obtaining survey data and analyzing them. Such a decision eliminates the need for a US diagnostic doctor during the procedure

A robot for ultrasound was created in Russia

When using the RoboScan platform, mid-level medical professionals and laboratory assistants can receive the patient, while the doctor connects already at the stage of decoding the images received. The procedure itself is carried out according to a pre-laid scheme - depending on the study area. The laboratory assistant present at the patient's appointment helps to select the appropriate sensor and launch the program.

The created robot control complex includes its own electronics and the necessary software. These are programs for controlling the manipulator, moving it to the desired points, polling sensors, etc. A special pressure sensor is also provided. It allows you to control the force of pressing on the work surface during ultrasound, taking into account the patient's breathing, movements and physique. In the future, it is planned to add a sensor system so that the patient, feeling discomfort, can stop the procedure and transfer the robot to a safe position with one touch to it.

Specialists work out the algorithms for carrying out an ultrasound of the pelvic organs by the robot. In particular, in MAI, tests were carried out on a silicone layout, which includes 3D-printed pelvic bones and a ball with water that simulates the bladder. In the future, RoboScan will be "taught" to do ultrasound and other areas.^[1]

2022: Making a Robot

At the end of March 2022, it became known about the creation in Russia of a medical robot for ultrasonic examinations (ultrasound). We are talking about the RoboScan software and hardware complex created by the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI). It is noted that both electronics and all software for the device were developed by the staff of the institute.

The device is a "roboruca" with an ultrasonic sensor instead of a brush. The main task of the robot is to separate the processes of obtaining an ultrasonic picture and analyzing it by a specialist. This will improve the quality of diagnostics, reduce the burden on doctors and replace qualified specialists where the need for them is not closed. RoboScan

In Russia, created a robot for ultrasound RoboScan

According to the developers, to launch robotic ultrasound diagnostics, it is enough to bring the sensor to the desired area and choose a scenario for the organ under study, taking into account the patient's physique, which can be done by a laboratory assistant or nurse.

By the end of March 2022, algorithms for carrying out an ultrasound of the pelvic organs by the robot are being worked out. In the future, RoboScan will be "taught" to do ultrasound of the vessels of the neck, as well as arms and legs. According to the developers, the robot will become a convenient tool not only for examining patients, but also for collecting medical data. So, by the end of March 2022, there is no database for ultrasound examinations, since less than 1% of the procedures are recorded.

In the future, ultrasound can be carried out in the same way as computed tomography or MRI is performed, says Nikolai Bodunkov, associate professor of the Department of 704 of the Moscow Aviation Institute. At the same time, several specialists will be able to evaluate the result of the study at once.

The Moscow Aviation Institute also noted that by the end of March 2022, neither Russia nor the world has industrially produced specialized robots for ultrasound. RoboScan should be the first.^[2]

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