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An Adaptive and Reconfigurable Robot-Assisted SPECT Imaging System

Award Number: R21EB037274
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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An Adaptive and Reconfigurable Robot-Assisted SPECT Imaging System - PROJECT SUMMARY The project aims to develop a robot-assisted Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging system for adaptive and optimized imaging acquisitions. The platform integrates a lightweight Gamma Camera with a highly articulated robotic manipulator. According to the principle of adaptive SPECT imaging, the proposed imaging system will modify its data collection configuration in response to the object under evaluation, the imaging task, and the image information received, to achieve the best imaging performance. It is our central hypothesis that an adaptive and reconfigurable SPECT imaging system, designed to personalize the imaging process for each patient, will lead to improved imaging performance, shorter scan times, and lower radiation doses. In this 3-year feasibility effort, we will mainly focus on the design, development, integration, and validation of the subsystems of this novel SPECT imaging platform with the goal to deliver optimized and tailored imaging acquisitions, offering improved diagnostic accuracy and performance. In details, the project aims to: (1) Develop a dedicated lightweight Gamma Camera: the Gamma Camera will be built using an array of solid-state detectors and a customized 3D printed collimator. It will offer excellent spectroscopic performance, high sensitivity, and a lightweight design suitable for robotic manipulation. (2) Plan optimized scanning trajectories and jointly reconstruct tomographic images: Advanced optimization algorithms will be developed to determine the best camera positions and trajectories for each patient and imaging task. This will involve simulating different scanning patterns and analyzing factors like image quality, accuracy, and image enhancement. (3) Integrate the gamma camera with a robotic arm: The dedicated camera will be mounted on a highly articulated robotic arm. This will allow the camera to freely move around the patient, ensuring optimal and repeatable image acquisitions. The entire system will be rigorously tested using both computer simulations and physical imaging phantoms. We will evaluate the performance of the robot-assisted SPECT system compared to traditional scanning methods (e.g. fixed radius of rotation and uniform scan time). This technology could be used for a wide range of diagnostic applications, and we will particularly focus on organ-specific scans like breast and heart imaging. By combining robotics, advanced optimization algorithms, and specialized hardware and sensor technology, the proposed work has the potential to change how SPECT imaging systems are conceived, operated and interface with each patient.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $618,695 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	110 INNER CAMPUS DR	AUSTIN	TX	78712	TRAVIS	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	4/21/2026	NEW	$618,695
														Subtotal = $618,695

Grand Total All Awards = $618,695

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An Adaptive and Reconfigurable Robot-Assisted SPECT Imaging System

Award Number: R21EB037274

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2029

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