Networked Human/Robot Cooperative Interface for Tele-diagnostics of Breast Pathology

This paper presents our development of a network-enabled human/robot cooperative interface for tele- diagnostics of breast pathology. To enhance telepresence capabilities, our human/robot interface is comprised of an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. This cooperative and multimedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables tele-diagnostics. Preliminary experiments had demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed human/robot tele-diagnostic interface. That is, it will greatly enhance and improve the diagnostic performance as well as promote the tele-diagnostics of breast pathology in remote areas a reality.