India Performs First Tele-Robotic Ultrasound from Antarctica

Category : National Published on: February 18 2026

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Doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, successfully conducted a real-time ultrasound on a patient nearly 12,000 km away at India’s Maitri research station in Antarctica. The scan used a tele-robotic system allowing specialists to remotely operate medical equipment in extreme polar conditions.
The project was developed through collaboration between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, AIIMS, and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The breakthrough helps address major healthcare gaps faced by isolated Antarctic research teams. It enables rapid expert diagnosis during emergencies without evacuation delays. Scientists say the technology could also benefit remote, disaster-prone, and rural regions across India.