Neuromodulation robot for precision TMS

摘要

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become an established tool in both cognitive neuroscience research and clinical treatment of brain disorders. The development of precision TMS, characterized by high spatial and temporal targeting accuracy, has been enabled by advances in neuronavigation and closed-loop control systems. Modern neuronavigation systems enhance TMS precision through two key phases: planning and execution. During planning, individualized brain atlases (e.g., Brainnetome) integrate anatomical and functional imaging data to optimize stimulation targeting and coil placement. Execution involves real-time mapping of imaging coordinates to physical space, maintaining precise coil positioning and orientation throughout treatment. The field has progressed beyond conventional infrared-based systems to incorporate robotic neuronavigation platforms. These advanced systems utilize machine vision for head motion detection and robotic-arm control for automated, force-adjusted coil placement. Such innovations ensure consistent stimulation accuracy while compensating for head movements, significantly reducing off-target effects. Clinical studies demonstrate these technological improvements enhance treatment reliability and standardization, particularly for research applications requiring precise, reproducible stimulation. Looking forward, the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence promises to further advance TMS applications, enabling more personalized and effective neuromodulation therapies across neurological and psychiatric disorders.