Remote Robotic Ultrasound for Maternal Health

Ultrasound is an important tool for monitoring maternal and fetal health, but many rural and hard-to-reach communities do not have consistent access to trained sonographers. Although images can be shared remotely, acquiring a useful ultrasound scan requires a skilled operator to position the probe and apply appropriate pressure.

Our researchers are developing a teleoperation system that allows a trained sonographer to control an ultrasound probe from another location. A robotic device at the patient’s location follows the operator’s movements, while haptic feedback allows the operator to feel the contact forces between the probe and the patient. Augmented- and virtual-reality interfaces can provide additional spatial information to support probe positioning and control.

The research evaluates whether this combination can support safe, real-time ultrasound scanning while producing clinically useful images. The team is also addressing patient comfort, communication delays, force control, and safeguards for remote operation. The long-term goal is to expand access to maternal imaging expertise without requiring every community to have a specialist physically present.