When it comes to space robotics, Canada is an undisputed global leader. The industry has invested more than $2 billion in research and development for more than 30 years, overcoming many of the hurdles associated with automation, image guidance and manoeuvrability. On the medical front, several Canadian universities are top ranked when it comes to developing image-guided therapies. These strengths put Canada in an excellent position to use its expertise to make the medical system more efficient, improve healthcare access in rural and remote areas, and improve patient outcomes by enabling more targeted, less invasive procedures.

Among the results

CSii completed development of its Image Guided Automated Robot (IGAR), a generic image-guided robotics platform that will be adopted for several applications, including biopsies and localized cancer treatment. The system can also be operated remotely, enabling radiologists to biopsy and treat patients in remote locations.
CSii successfully developed and manufactured its first clinical system – the IGAR Breast Robot – which allows real-time biopsy and therapy of suspected breast lesions in an MRI system, resulting in less pain and faster treatment. CSii is partnering with MDA to manufacture the system in Canada, and has initiated a startup for global sales and distribution. Commercial release is planned for 2017.
CSii is working with IBM’s Watson Collaborative Group and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop the next generation of IGAR: an autonomous robotic system capable of diagnosing, planning and executing medical diagnostic and therapeutic actions. CSii is also working with the CSA to develop telerobotic capabilities for IGAR technology that will improve access to health care for Canadians living in remote parts of the country.

Connect with Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation

Website