IIT Jodhpur develops AI and robotics tech for ultrasound and rib fracture detection Researchers at IIT Jodhpur are developing three new technologies, including robotic ultrasound assistance, AI-based rib fracture detection, and digital surgery simulators for students, under the leadership of Dr. Deepak Mishra. The landscape of medical diagnostics, patient care, and surgical training is on the verge of a major transformation as advanced technology bridges the gap between engineering and healthcare. Efforts are underway to integrate artificial intelligence and robotics into routine medical practices, promising greater precision and efficiency. At the Medical AI Systems Labs of the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, researchers are currently advancing three distinct technologies designed to revolutionize how medical examinations are conducted and taught. These innovations aim to make medical tests more precise, reduce the time required to generate reports, and provide medical students with immersive training environments. The overarching research initiatives are being spearheaded by Dr. Deepak Mishra, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the institution. Robotic systems to guide ultrasound probes accurately During an echocardiogram or heart ultrasound, obtaining a clear and diagnostically useful image requires placing the ultrasound probe at a very precise angle and location. This delicate procedure traditionally relies heavily on the expertise and hands-on experience of the clinician performing the test. To address this variability, researchers are developing an advanced robotic system where a mechanical arm holds the probe while artificial intelligence guides it to the exact correct position. This automated synergy is expected to significantly improve the overall quality of diagnostic images and bring a high degree of consistency across different medical examinations, ensuring reliable results for patients regardless of who operates the equipment. Artificial intelligence scanning for precise rib fractures Beyond robotic positioning, the research facility is heavily focused on the advanced analysis of medical imaging data. Methods are being engineered to allow computers to analyze complex visual data gathered from computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and standard ultrasounds. Utilizing agentic artificial intelligence, the system is designed to accurately detect the precise location, severity, and specific characteristics of rib fractures from scan images. This diagnostic support tool aims to assist physicians in interpreting complicated test results more quickly, thereby facilitating faster and more accurate clinical decision-making when treating trauma patients. Medical students to practice surgical procedures on computers The third major pillar of this ongoing research is dedicated to transforming the way medical students and healthcare professionals undergo their rigorous training. Sophisticated simulators and specialized tools designed to create and analyze surgical video procedures are currently under development. By utilizing these computer-based systems, students can practice intricate surgical techniques virtually, altering medical procedures based on their specific inputs and observing the potential simulated outcomes in real time. Nevertheless, experts emphasize that before these groundbreaking technologies can be deployed for routine daily use in hospitals, they must undergo rigorous clinical testing and thorough validation. What this means for you These technological developments hold substantial practical implications for healthcare delivery and medical education across the country. • In Jodhpur: Successful implementation of these systems could directly upgrade local medical training facilities and hospital diagnostic accuracy in the region. Patients undergoing cardiac scans or trauma evaluations locally may benefit from faster and more standardized imaging results once clinical trials conclude. • Across India: The integration of AI and robotics in nationwide healthcare training can bridge the gap in specialized expertise across remote medical colleges. Standardized robotic scans and AI-assisted diagnostics will ultimately help reduce human error and improve patient outcomes in hospitals. Why this happened These research initiatives were established to address longstanding challenges in diagnostic variability, imaging complexity, and surgical training limitations. • Diagnostic Consistency: Traditional ultrasound accuracy heavily depends on individual operator skill, prompting the need for robotic positioning and AI guidance to standardize cardiac imaging quality. • Complex Image Analysis: The intricate nature of evaluating trauma injuries like rib fractures from CT and MRI scans drove the development of agentic AI for faster, reliable identification. • Training Limitations: The necessity to provide medical students with risk-free surgical practice environments led to the creation of advanced computer simulators and video analysis tools. Questions & Answers 1. Who is leading these research projects at IIT Jodhpur? The research projects are being led by Dr. Deepak Mishra, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 2. What specific medical test is the robotic system designed to assist with? The robotic system is being developed to assist with heart ultrasound examinations, known as echocardiography, by holding and positioning the probe. 3. What type of injury will the AI scanning technology help identify? The AI scanning technology is designed to help identify the location, type, and characteristics of rib fractures from medical imaging. 4. What will medical students be able to practice on computers? Medical students will be able to practice intricate surgical procedures virtually using simulators and specialized analysis tools. 5. What is required before these technologies can be used regularly in hospitals? Rigorous clinical testing and scientific validation are required before these technologies can be deployed for regular use in hospitals. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/iit-jodhpur-develops-ai-and-robotics-tech-for-ultrasound-and-rib-fracture-detection-48127 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.