R&D Focus
Cutting-Edge 5G Ultrasound Brings Advanced Medical Solutions to Underserved Areas
A physician uses a force feedback joystick to carry out remote robotic ultrasound scans.
In cooperation with MacKay Memorial Hospital, Compal Electronics, and Techman Robot, ITRI unveiled a remote-operated 5G ultrasound technology. This technology provides remote areas with access to essential medical resources, allowing rural residents to receive abdominal ultrasound checkups without having to travel long distances to urban areas. Efforts are underway to provide more accessible telemedicine services.
Pei-Zen Chang, Executive Vice President of ITRI, spoke about the progression of the collaboration between ITRI and MacKay Memorial Hospital. “MacKay Memorial Hospital contributed their medical expertise and facilities for testing, while ITRI worked on system integration and core network equipment deployment,” said Chang. “We addressed the needs of medical care providers by developing an electronic consultation system and a real-time high-definition abdomen ultrasound system that can be operated remotely.”
Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang pointed out that the Ministry’s support in the development of 5G private networks and telemedicine applications has paved the way to the launch of the remote-operated 5G ultrasound technology, which bridges the medical resource gap between urban and rural populations. “We are glad to see doctors working in cities can now provide care to patients with limited resources by offering virtual appointments and remote ultrasound scanning services,” said Tang.
The robotic arm performs an abdominal ultrasound examination.
The remote ultrasound checkup service integrates robotics, 5G communications, and medical knowledge. A robotic arm equipped with an ultrasound probe is installed on a check-up vehicle and can be remotely manipulated by a physician using a force feedback joystick to perform the examination. While the robot’s force-sensing and distance detection abilities ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, a high-definition camera captures the status of the robotic arm and the patient’s reactions. The physician then provides a diagnosis based on the wireless ultrasound imaging and communicates with the patient via a video conferencing system.
Dr. Jian-Han Lai, a physician from MacKay Memorial Hospital’s rural care team, was impressed by the benefits of the low-latency, high bandwidth 5G network on remote healthcare. “Despite the mountainous terrain of the village, the system shows excellent connectivity and steady image transmission,” he said. “It is also easy for medical professionals to master the system operation and control. Patients who tried the service were highly satisfied and willing to use it again. We can say that the 5G robotic-assisted checkup is comparable to having a doctor giving examination in person,” he added.
From left: ITRI Executive Vice President Pei-Zen Chang, MacKay Memorial Hospital Physician Dr. Jian-Han Lai, Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang, and MacKay Memorial Hospital Vice Superintendent Dr. Chie-Pein Chen.
The mobile and user-friendly nature of the technology eliminates the geographical barrier of traditional ultrasound diagnostics to mitigate healthcare inequality. ITRI plans to work with medical centers to launch a medical checkup bus tour and offer abdominal ultrasound screening services to rural areas in Taiwan this year. The technology is also expected to be expanded to other locations, making real-time medical examinations available for more people in need.