IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare is opening new possibilities for medical imaging, diagnosis and clinical training. At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur, researchers at the Medical AI Systems (MAISys) Lab are developing intelligent technologies to help doctors with heart ultrasound scans, analyse rib fractures in medical images, and make medical education more interactive.
The research combines AI, robotics, and simulation to address practical challenges healthcare professionals face. The lab develops AI-driven medical technologies in collaboration with hospitals and healthcare centres, focusing on solutions that address real clinical problems.
Robot-Assisted Heart Ultrasound Scans
One key research area at IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab Lab is using robotics and AI in echocardiography, an ultrasound examination that assesses the heart’s structure and function.
Obtaining standard echocardiographic images requires specialised skills and careful ultrasound probe positioning. Differences in probe placement can affect image quality and consistency, making the process dependent on the operator’s experience.
Researchers are developing a robot-assisted system to help position the ultrasound probe and acquire clinically useful views of the heart. The system uses image-related parameters to guide adjustments to the probe’s position.
The aim is to make cardiac ultrasound image acquisition more consistent and reduce some of the physical and technical demands placed on sonographers. IIT Jodhpur’s research group has also reported an Indian patent for its “System and Method for Robot-Assisted Echocardiography,” issued on February 24, 2026.
Although this technology offers potential benefits, its wider use in healthcare will depend on further development, testing and clinical validation.
IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab: AI-Based Rib Fracture Detection and Analysis
Another important area of research is the automated detection, localisation and classification of traumatic rib fractures using computed tomography (CT) scans.
Identifying rib fractures can be challenging because radiologists may need to examine numerous CT image slices to determine the location and nature of an injury. Missing a fracture or incorrectly identifying its characteristics can affect the assessment of a patient’s condition.
MAISys Lab is developing machine-learning methods to help identify fractures and provide more detailed information about their location and type. The research combines medical image analysis with clinical descriptions to improve how fracture-related information is represented and classified.
A research paper from the team on fine-grained rib fracture diagnosis was accepted at MICCAI 2025, a major conference in medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention. According to the lab’s published research, the approach showed improvements in average recall across two datasets used for evaluation.
Such systems could help healthcare professionals review complex scans and organise findings more efficiently. However, AI-based analysis is intended to support clinical assessment rather than replace the judgement of qualified medical professionals.
Interactive Simulations for Medical Education
Beyond diagnosis, the lab is also exploring how simulation can make medical training more practical and accessible.
Interactive echocardiography simulators can help learners understand how ultrasound images change with different scanning positions and views. Instead of relying entirely on demonstrations or supervised practice, students can use simulated environments to explore procedures and understand the relationship between probe movement and the resulting image.
IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab research includes CardiacSim, an interactive echocardiography simulation developed from cardiac CT models. Its work also includes real-time guidance systems designed to assist users in acquiring standard echocardiographic views.
These tools may help medical students and healthcare professionals develop familiarity with imaging procedures in a controlled learning environment. Simulation-based learning can also provide opportunities to practise and understand complex procedures before applying those skills in clinical settings.
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What Does This Research Mean for Healthcare?
The work at IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab Lab highlights how AI can be applied to more than automated image analysis. By combining intelligent software with robotics and simulation, researchers are addressing different stages of healthcare, from acquiring medical images to interpreting them and training professionals.
More consistent ultrasound scanning could help address technical challenges in cardiac imaging, while automated fracture analysis could assist doctors in reviewing CT scans. Interactive simulations could also strengthen practical learning for future healthcare professionals.
The actual impact of these technologies will depend on their accuracy, safety, reliability and suitability for different clinical settings. Further testing and validation will be important before such systems can be used widely in routine healthcare.
Source: MAISys Lab, IIT Jodhpur – Official Research Website
Conclusion
IIT Jodhpur MAISys Lab is advancing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics and medical imaging. Its work on robot-assisted heart ultrasound, AI-powered rib fracture analysis, and interactive clinical simulations shows how intelligent technologies can support both healthcare delivery and medical education.
As this research progresses, the focus will remain on developing reliable tools that address real clinical needs and help healthcare professionals make informed decisions.
