ARUS® (Automated Robotic Ultrasound Scanning)

A helping hand for sonographers​

Many sonographers experience musculoskeletal pain after spending hours holding an ultrasound probe and working in physically demanding positions. With the ARUS® robotic arm, the robot holds the probe while the sonographer controls the scan using a joystick. The aim is to reduce physical strain on healthcare professionals without compromising the quality of the scan.

Clinical need​

Sonographers performing pregnancy ultrasound scans often work in physically demanding positions for extended periods of time. This can put considerable strain on muscles and joints.

In Denmark and internationally, 63–91% of sonographers experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This is linked to increasingly complex scanning requirements and higher BMI among pregnant women.

MSDs can affect both health and working life. They may lead to reduced physical function and quality of life, lower work capacity, increased sickness absence and, in some cases, early withdrawal from the workforce.

Solution

ARUS® is the world’s first robotic ultrasound scanning solution for pregnant women. The robotic arm is controlled by a joystick with haptic feedback, providing vibration and movement in response to pressure etc. It holds the ultrasound probe, reducing the physical strain on the sonographer’s right arm.

ARUS ® is expected to reduce sickness absence, support staff retention, reduce the need for repeat scans and increase the number of scans performed each day. It may also enable ultrasound examinations of pregnant women with high or very high BMI to be performed by one sonographer instead of two. In addition, the technology could enable telemedicine applications and be used across other clinical specialties, such as cardiology. ARUS® received CE marking and was launched commercially in June 2025.

Idea originators​

Staff from the Pregnancy and Ultrasound Outpatient Clinic at Aalborg University Hospital.