Key Innovation
First-principles robotics delivered precise motion control inside an MRI.
MRI-Compatible Robotics
Client
AiM Medical Robotics
Practice Areas
Smart Medical Devices
TechBio & Life Sciences
Core Disciplines
Overview
AiM Medical Robotics engaged Triple Ring to develop a portable robotic system capable of performing neurosurgical procedures simultaneously with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The resulting prototype established the technical foundation for an MRI-compatible robotic platform designed to support image-guided neurosurgery.
Challenge
MRI environments rely on strong magnetic fields that prohibit the use of ferromagnetic materials commonly found in traditional robotic systems. Additionally, the limited physical space inside MRI systems imposed strict form factor constraints.
These requirements demanded innovative design strategies to enable reliable robotic motion and positioning inside the MRI environment.
Solution
Triple Ring applied first-principles engineering and multidisciplinary design expertise to create an MRI-compatible robotic system.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Design of multi-axis robotic systems optimized for MRI environments
- Application of MRI physics principles to guide system architecture
- Development of MRI-compatible components and assemblies
- Rapid prototyping and testing to validate system performance
- Engineering solutions addressing constrained spatial and material limitations
MRI-Compatible Robotics
Overview
AiM Medical Robotics engaged Triple Ring to develop a portable robotic system capable of performing neurosurgical procedures simultaneously with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The resulting prototype established the technical foundation for an MRI-compatible robotic platform designed to support image-guided neurosurgery.
Challenge
MRI environments rely on strong magnetic fields that prohibit the use of ferromagnetic materials commonly found in traditional robotic systems. Additionally, the limited physical space inside MRI systems imposed strict form factor constraints.
These requirements demanded innovative design strategies to enable reliable robotic motion and positioning inside the MRI environment.
Solution
Triple Ring applied first-principles engineering and multidisciplinary design expertise to create an MRI-compatible robotic system.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Design of multi-axis robotic systems optimized for MRI environments
- Application of MRI physics principles to guide system architecture
- Development of MRI-compatible components and assemblies
- Rapid prototyping and testing to validate system performance
- Engineering solutions addressing constrained spatial and material limitations
Client
AiM Medical Robotics
Practice Areas
Smart Medical Devices
TechBio & Life Sciences
Core Disciplines
Mechanical Engineering
Quality System Management
Outcome
The collaboration produced a prototype robotic system with four degrees of freedom, establishing the basis for AiM Medical Robotics’ MRI-compatible neurosurgical platform.
The system demonstrated the feasibility of robotic-assisted neurosurgery within MRI environments and enabled further development of image-guided surgical technologies.
Triple Ring Talent
The Story Behind the Innovation
At Triple Ring, we draw on a deep bench of expertise across diverse disciplines matched to each innovation challenge. For this project, our team applied MRI physics, multidisciplinary robotic design, and rapid prototyping to develop a four-axis robotic system capable of performing neurosurgical procedures inside a live MRI environment.
Chris and Chris collaborated with many talented colleagues across Triple Ring and AiM Medical Products on this project.
Chris Mitchell, PhD
Bio and Electrical Engineering & Program Management
Dr. Chris Mitchell brings deep experience leading multidisciplinary teams developing complex imaging and medical device systems. His work focuses on guiding technical programs from concept through implementation, helping translate advanced technologies into reliable, real-world solutions.
Chris Todd
Mechanical Engineering
Chris Todd focuses on biomedical diagnostics and precision instrumentation, integrating fluidics, optics, and mechanical systems. His work supports the development of regulated medical technologies from early concepts through manufacturing, helping teams deliver reliable diagnostic solutions at scale.
