In MRI-guided biopsies, precision and reliability are crucial. Pneumatic stepper motors provide MRI compatibility but currently rely on manual calibration methods, which can introduce inefficiencies and minor inaccuracies. This project aims to design, manufacture, and benchmark a fully 3D-printed MRI-safe rotary encoder to improve step validation for these motors.
The proposed encoder will be evaluated on accuracy, ease of manufacturing, and cost-effectiveness compared to existing solutions. By eliminating the need for manual step calibration, this innovation has the potential to increase the speed and reliability of MRI-guided procedures, making them more efficient for doctors and patients.
This research contributes to the development of MRI-safe (and MRI-conditional) robotic systems, enhancing automation in medical interventions where traditional sensors are not feasible.