Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Intra-operative robotics: NeuroArm
Michael J Lang1, Alexander D Greer, Garnette R Sutherland
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Unlabelled:
This manuscript describes the development and ongoing integration of neuroArm, an image-guided MR-compatible robot.
Methods:
A neurosurgical robotics platform was developed, including MR-compatible manipulators, or arms, with seven degrees of freedom, a main system controller, and a human-machine interface. This system was evaluated during pre-clinical trials and subsequent clinical application, combined with intra-operative MRI, at both 1.5 and 3.0 T.
Results:
An MR-compatible surgical robot was successfully developed and merged with ioMRI at both 1.5 or 3.0 T. Image-guidance accuracy and microsurgical capability were established in pre-clinical trials. Early clinical experience demonstrated feasibility and showed the importance of a master-slave configuration. Surgeon-directed manipulator control improved performance and safety.
Conclusion:
NeuroArm successfully united the precision and accuracy of robotics with the executive decision-making capability of the surgeon.
