MGIUS-R3 Remote Ultrasound Robot

MGIUS-R3 from MGI Tech became the world’s first remote ultrasound robot to receive regulatory approval when it obtained NMPA Class III medical device certification in May 2020. The system enables ultrasound specialists to conduct real-time diagnostic examinations on patients located up to 1,000 kilometers away, addressing healthcare access disparities in underserved regions.

Product Overview

The MGIUS-R3 system integrates robotic manipulation technology, real-time teleoperation control, and high-resolution ultrasound imaging into a unified platform. Unlike conventional ultrasound that requires the sonographer and patient to be co-located, MGIUS-R3 separates the physician console from the patient-side robotic unit, connected via network infrastructure.

This architecture allows expert sonographers at major medical centers to provide diagnostic services to patients at remote clinics, mobile health units, or isolated facilities without requiring travel. The robotic arm can accommodate multiple ultrasound probes and replicate the manual scanning techniques of experienced operators.

Key Features

For rural healthcare and infectious disease settings, MGIUS-R3 enables expert sonographers to conduct real-time ultrasound exams on patients up to 1,000 km away via robotic probe control.

• Remote Operation Distance: Supports ultrasound diagnosis across distances up to 1,000 km via network connection
• Real-Time Teleoperation: Physician controls robotic arm movements in real-time; patient-side movements mirror the doctor’s manipulations
• Multi-Probe Compatibility: Robotic arm supports multiple sensitive ultrasound probe types for different examination requirements
• Bidirectional Communication: Integrated audio-visual communication allows physician-patient interaction during examination
• 5G Network Support: Compatible with 5G connectivity for low-latency transmission in mobile deployment scenarios

Technical Specifications

MGIUS-R3 is a world-first NMPA and CE certified remote ultrasound robot operating over 4G/5G/broadband, supporting multiple probe types across a 1,000 km operating range.

Clinical Applications

MGIUS-R3 addresses several healthcare scenarios where traditional ultrasound access is limited:

Rural Healthcare: Provides access to specialist-level ultrasound diagnosis for patients in remote areas lacking trained sonographers. County hospitals and community health centers can connect to experts at provincial tertiary hospitals.

Infectious Disease Settings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGIUS-R3 units were deployed to Leishenshan Hospital (the emergency hospital for critical COVID-19 patients) and Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan. Remote operation reduced exposure risks for medical personnel while maintaining diagnostic capabilities.

Mobile Health Services: When paired with the 5G Ultrasound Robot Mobile Vehicle, the system enables ultrasound services to travel to communities, construction sites, or disaster areas. The mobile platform integrates MGIUS-R3 with portable ultrasound and AI-assisted diagnostic software.

Cross-Hospital Consultation: Enables real-time collaborative diagnosis between institutions, allowing specialists to guide examinations conducted at remote facilities.

Regulatory Status

The MGIUS-R3 was the first remote ultrasonic equipment approved for commercial use in China. The system achieved both NMPA and CE certifications within a two-month period in early 2020.

Related Products

5G Ultrasound Robot Mobile Vehicle: A mobile diagnostic platform that integrates MGIUS-R3 with vehicle-based infrastructure, allowing the system to deploy to various locations. Combines remote ultrasound capability with onboard power and network systems.

Handheld Portable Ultrasound: Smartphone-sized ultrasound devices that complement the MGIUS-R3 ecosystem, offering portable imaging when full robotic capability is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does MGIUS-R3 differ from traditional telemedicine ultrasound?

Traditional telemedicine ultrasound typically involves a local operator performing the scan while a remote specialist views the images. MGIUS-R3 enables the remote specialist to directly control the ultrasound probe via robotic arm, replicating their scanning technique as if they were physically present.

What network infrastructure is required for MGIUS-R3?

The system operates over 4G, 5G, or wired broadband connections. 5G networks are particularly suitable for mobile deployments due to their low latency characteristics, which are important for real-time control responsiveness.

Was MGIUS-R3 used during COVID-19?

Yes, MGIUS-R3 units were deployed to frontline hospitals in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak, including Leishenshan Hospital and Zhongnan Hospital. The system allowed remote experts to conduct ultrasound examinations while minimizing infection transmission risks to medical staff.