R3 Remote Ultrasound FAQs
R3 Remote Ultrasound - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MGIUS-R3 system, and who is behind its development?
The MGIUS-R3 (externally unified as the Tele-robotic Ultrasound System) is a remote ultrasound robot independently designed, developed, and produced by Imabot. Imabot was founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of MGI. Both MGI and BGI are parallel subsidiaries operating within the broader BGI Group. The system serves as a diagnostic expansion tool to provide expert care without requiring the doctor and patient to be in the same room.
What ultrasound hardware and robotic components are integrated into the system?
The system utilizes a high-precision, imported Danish UR robotic arm featuring 6 degrees of freedom to accurately reproduce expert skills. For imaging, it currently integrates a matching ultrasound system from the domestic brand Wisonic based in Shenzhen. Due to regulatory and medical device registration requirements, the MGIUS-R3 must currently be sold and used exclusively with this configured ultrasound system, though MGI/Imabot plans to cooperate with more ultrasound manufacturers in the future.
What clinical applications and deployment scenarios are supported?
The MGIUS-R3 supports a wide range of diagnostic categories, including abdomen, urology, gynecology, and superficial small organs, as well as vascular, pulmonary ultrasonography, and interventional procedures. It is highly versatile for deployment across fever clinics, multi-department clinical settings, pre-hospital emergencies, localized medical alliances, third-party imaging centers, and frontier or remote island assistance. Clinical application evaluations for obstetrics and pediatrics are currently in progress; future software versions will formally expand into these fields.
Will this system replace professional sonographers, and how difficult is it to learn?
No, the tele-ultrasound robot is designed to act as an auxiliary tool to solve the uneven distribution of medical resources, not to replace professional sonographers. The learning curve is minimal because the control console panel is completely identical to traditional ultrasound equipment. Furthermore, the patient end does not require a professional doctor on-site; local maintenance staff can manage it after undergoing simple, straightforward training.
How does the doctor's report come out?
Once the remote examination is complete, the doctor edits the diagnostic report directly on the doctor-end console. The system then transmits the finished document back to the patient’s side, allowing the patient or local staff to print the report immediately on-site.
What are the network bandwidth requirements, and can it run over satellite?
The system is highly flexible and does not enforce rigid network restrictions. Under standard operating conditions, it requires a dedicated private line network above 20M, or a conventional broadband connection above 100M. For extreme environments or remote frontier applications, connection via satellite is technically supported, and a dedicated connection guide can be provided upon request.
What is the system latency, and does remote transmission degrade image quality?
The transmission features an ultra-low operational delay of less than 200ms from the doctor’s physical manipulation of the console to the actual movement of the robotic probe. Despite the remote connection, the real-time image transmission delivers the exact same clarity and resolution as local ultrasound equipment, completely free of distortion.
Can the system support network configurations other than a simple one-to-one connection?
Yes. Depending on the clinical or institutional deployment strategy, the system supports three primary networking models: a one-to-one single connection, a one-to-many model where a central hospital covers multiple subordinate social health centers, and a many-to-many remote consultation center connection for distributed networks.
What safety features protect patients, especially during a sudden network failure?
Patient safety is backed by multiple redundant hardware and software protection mechanisms. The system features a preset, strict upper safety limit on physical force to ensure the robotic arm never exerts excessive pressure. In the event of an abrupt network disconnection, the robotic arm automatically and immediately retracts back to its safe reset position.
Where is the system currently deployed, and what are the warranty terms?
The system comes with a standard one-year warranty, with extended service packages available through regional sales managers. The platform is highly proven, with over 100 units installed across the Chinese market—including major reference institutions like Shanghai Fudan Zhongshan Hospital, Luohu District Hospital, and Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital. Global expansion is also underway, featuring reference sites established across Spain and Italy. System purchasing prices and localized medical insurance reimbursement standards vary by region and hospital level.
