AIIMS Conducts Remote Ultrasound from Antarctica Using Tele-Robotic System

India Demonstrates Telemedicine Breakthrough at Maitri Research Station

In a landmark advancement for telemedicine, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have successfully performed a real-time ultrasound examination on a patient located nearly 12,000 km away at India’s Maitri research station in Antarctica. The achievement highlights the expanding reach of specialist diagnostics into extreme and remote environments.

Tele-Robotic Ultrasound System

The procedure was enabled by a tele-robotic diagnostic platform that allows specialists to remotely operate ultrasound equipment installed at the Antarctic station. The system was developed through collaboration among the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), AIIMS, IIT Delhi, and technology start-ups.

The demonstration validated uninterrupted connectivity, real-time imaging precision, and operational reliability under severe Antarctic conditions. Experts note that this represents the first documented deployment of tele-robotic ultrasound technology at an Antarctic research facility.

Bridging Critical Healthcare Gaps

Medical care in Antarctica faces extraordinary logistical constraints due to isolation, harsh weather, and limited infrastructure. While research stations maintain trained medical personnel and essential diagnostic tools, access to super-specialist evaluation remains restricted.

The tele-robotic system enables remote specialists to guide or directly conduct scans, improving early diagnosis during emergencies such as trauma or suspected internal complications. The innovation strengthens decision-making regarding medical intervention and evacuation.

Approximately 25–30 scientists and support staff remain stationed at Maitri during the Antarctic winter, when evacuation options are severely limited.

Institutional and Operational Support

NCPOR coordinated the transport and installation of the system from Goa to Antarctica. The development aligns with India’s long-standing scientific engagement in polar research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Beyond Antarctica, the technology holds potential applications in high-altitude regions, island territories, offshore platforms, disaster zones, and underserved rural areas.

Exam-Focused Points

• Maitri → India’s second permanent Antarctic research station

• NCPOR → Functions under Ministry of Earth Sciences

• Telemedicine → Expanded rapidly during Covid-19 pandemic

• Antarctica → No permanent civilian population

Origins and Technological Evolution

The tele-robotic ultrasound platform was initially deployed at AIIMS during the Covid-19 pandemic for imaging infectious patients. Its adaptation for polar use underscores India’s growing capabilities in remote healthcare delivery and advanced medical robotics.