Robot guided by MRI performs brain surgery

Surgeons and robotics experts at the University of Calgary have developed neuroArm, a robot which is capable of performing brain surgery within the powerful magnet of an MRI.

Being able to work within such a powerful magnetic field is a first for robots. Most brain surgeries are performed with their assistance, but so far no robot has been able to go within an MRI. Not only can it go inside, but this robot is also guided by the detailed images the MRI creates.

The neuroArm is a huge advance for medical technology and robotics. Innovations like this will translate into more lives saved and much better surgery results seeing as robots are much less prone to mistakes than their human counterparts. More photos after the jump.

Images courtesy of AP