Autonomous robotic ultrasound scanning system: a key to enhancing image analysis reproducibility and observer consistency in ultrasound imaging

Autonomous robotic ultrasound scanning system: a key to enhancing image analysis reproducibility and observer consistency in ultrasound imaging

PurposeThis study aims to develop an autonomous robotic ultrasound scanning system (auto-RUSS) pipeline, comparing its reproducibility and observer consistency in image analysis with physicians of varying levels of expertise.Design/methodology/approachAn auto-RUSS was engineered using a 7-degree-of-...

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Main Authors: Xin-Xin Lin, Ming-De Li, Si-Min Ruan, Wei-Ping Ke, Hao-Ruo Zhang, Hui Huang, Shao-Hong Wu, Mei-Qing Cheng, Wen-Juan Tong, Hang-Tong Hu, Dan-Ni He, Rui-Fang Lu, Ya-Dan Lin, Ming Kuang, Ming-De Lu, Li-Da Chen, Qing-Hua Huang, Wei Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Robotics and AI
Subjects:
autonomous robots
ultrasound
reproducibility
consistency
AI
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frobt.2025.1527686/full
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Summary:PurposeThis study aims to develop an autonomous robotic ultrasound scanning system (auto-RUSS) pipeline, comparing its reproducibility and observer consistency in image analysis with physicians of varying levels of expertise.Design/methodology/approachAn auto-RUSS was engineered using a 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, with real-time regulation based on force control and ultrasound visual servoing. Two phantoms were employed for the human-machine comparative experiment, involving three groups: auto-RUSS, non-expert (4 junior physicians), and expert (4 senior physicians). This setup enabled comprehensive assessment of reproducibility in contact force, image acquisition, image measurement and AI-assisted classification. Radiological feature variability was measured using the coefficient of variation (COV), while performance and reproducibility assessments utilized mean and standard deviation (SD).FindingsThe auto-RUSS had the potential to reduce operator-dependent variability in ultrasound examinations, offering enhanced repeatability and consistency across multiple dimensions including probe contact force, images acquisition, image measurement, and diagnostic model performance.Originality/valueIn this paper, an autonomous robotic ultrasound scanning system (auto-RUSS) pipeline was proposed. Through comprehensive human-machine comparison experiments, the auto-RUSS was shown to effectively improve the reproducibility of ultrasound images and minimize human-induced variability.
ISSN:2296-9144

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