Robotics enhance accessibility for patients with paralysis

The initiative focuses on developing an assistance robot prototype capable of positioning patients during mammograms, ultimately aiming to create a commercially viable breast screening assistance system for global clinical use.

Dr Jihong Zhu, a robotics expert from the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, was approached by radiologists from York Hospital to tackle accessibility challenges encountered during routine mammograms. The impetus for this project stemmed from a significant incident involving Jane Hudson, a patient from Harrogate.

Jane’s story: a catalyst for change

Jane Hudson experienced paralysis from the chest down following a cycling accident at the age of 32. During a mammogram, she was unable to position herself correctly for the screening machine, resulting in inaccurate images. Tragically, Jane was later diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.

Her experience highlighted the critical need for improved accessibility in breast screening procedures. Dr Roisin Bradley, Consultant Radiologist at York and Scarborough NHS Trust and Director of Breast Screening for North Yorkshire, recognised the potential of robotics to address this issue and collaborated with Dr Zhu to explore solutions.

Dr Zhu’s previous work on assistive dressing robots in social care provided a foundation for this new venture. He commented: "I have previously developed assistive dressing robots for use in social care, and this experience has led me to believe that it can be useful in other healthcare settings. I was very moved by Jane’s experience and understood how important it was to her to use this experience to create positive change. Knowing the challenges Jane faced, and by working with Dr Bradley, it was clear that we needed to employ a robotics system that consists of two collaborative robots that work to hold the weight of an individual and rotate them into the necessary position."

Utilising force torque sensors and two infrared thermal cameras, the system can track a patient’s posture during screening. This data provides real-time feedback to the robot, ensuring the correct support and positioning.

Mammography, the test used in breast screening, involves taking x-rays of the breasts to detect cancerous growths early. Early detection through screening can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality, with current evidence suggesting it prevents approximately 1,300 deaths annually in the UK.

Jane Hudson’s personal experience turned her into an advocate for accessible breast screening. She shared: "As well as being unable to walk, I have no upper body strength at all, so I wasn’t able to get into the right position, even in my wheelchair. We tried all different positions, but it just wasn’t feasible, and the radiographers were unable to get any accurate images. It was staggering to me that such a vital service was so inaccessible. I unintentionally became an advocate for raising awareness of the problem and looking for a solution with the help of my MP and the Spinal Injury Association. This new project has the potential to change the future of screening and offers a lot of hope for people with paralysis like mine. I am delighted to be part of the project to help develop the robot."

Following her cancer diagnosis, Jane underwent a mastectomy but had to forgo chemotherapy due to risks associated with her weakened immune system from her spinal injury. Her story underscores the urgent need for inclusive screening solutions.

Dr Roisin Bradley reflected on the collaboration’s beginnings: "I met Dr Zhu at a research meeting in 2023, designed to bring clinicians and researchers together, and after seeing the work he was doing I asked if he might have a solution for our problem. That was the start of the working group, and thanks to Cancer Research UK funding, we can make the first step toward ensuring mammograms are accessible to everyone."