Dr Jitendra Singh Witnesses Breakthrough in Remote Healthcare Technology
New Delhi: Showcasing India’s growing strength in Artificial Intelligence-enabled healthcare and frontier science, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, witnessed a successful live demonstration of an indigenously developed tele-robotic ultrasonography system. The system connected AIIMS, New Delhi, with India’s Maitri Research Station in Antarctica.
Referring to ongoing discussions around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the national capital, Dr Jitendra Singh said such innovations represent the convergence of AI, robotics and real-time medical expertise. According to the PIB, the initiative expands the reach of specialist healthcare beyond geographical barriers and opens new possibilities for remote diagnostics.
Developed by AIIMS, IIT Delhi and NCPOR
The system has been jointly developed by AIIMS New Delhi and IIT Delhi in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. During the demonstration, a doctor seated in Delhi conducted a real-time ultrasound examination of a volunteer located over 12,000 kilometres away in Antarctica.
The robotic arm, equipped with an ultrasound probe, offers six degrees of freedom, replicating the precise hand movements of an expert sonographer. With force-sensing safety features and diagnostically reliable imaging delivered with less than one-second delay, the system enables emergency-focused assessments such as FAST scans, abdominal organ evaluation, cardiac assessment and trauma screening.
Designed for Extreme and Remote Environments
The technology has been specifically designed for extreme and remote environments, where access to specialist doctors is limited. In Antarctica, where evacuation is costly and logistically complex, the system helps doctors decide whether a patient can be treated locally or requires airlifting to advanced facilities.
Built with affordability, robustness and scalability in mind, the innovation holds potential for deployment in border regions, disaster-hit zones, rural health centres and mobile medical units across India. It could significantly strengthen healthcare access in underserved areas.
Towards Integrated Scientific Governance
Dr Jitendra Singh said the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of “whole of science” and “whole of government,” bringing together institutions across ministries for a common national purpose. He highlighted that India’s polar expeditions and ocean missions are increasingly serving as platforms for practical innovation beyond geoscience research.
Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, noted that the breakthrough could reduce emergency evacuations from Antarctica and strengthen India’s collaborative scientific presence in polar regions. The Minister added that emerging technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine and robotic intervention are poised to bridge the rural-urban healthcare divide and redefine clinical practice, reinforcing India’s march toward becoming a developed nation powered by science and integrated governance.
