IIT Madras develops AI-powered portable ultrasound scanner for sport injuries detection
Powered by AI, POCUS is portable and easy to use, allowing it to scan any part of the athlete's body.
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have made a breakthrough by developing an indigenous portable Point-of-Care-Ultrasound (POCUS) scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.
POCUS is a game changer in sports medicine, offering athletes a more convenient alternative to traditional scanners, which are bulky and restricted to hospitals or medical facilities. Powered by AI, POCUS is portable and easy to use, allowing it to scan any part of the athlete’s body and accurately determine whether an issue is a minor inflammation or a major muscle tear.
Prof. Arun K. Thittai, who led the development of this device at IIT Madras, stressed the importance of portable scanner technology. He stated, “We noticed a clear need for technology that supports injury management and rehabilitation during regular training. A quick, on-the-spot musculoskeletal assessment can make all the difference, enabling athletes to receive immediate care and focus on recovery.”
The device is compact and cost-effective, yet it delivers high-quality images as compared to traditional scanners. Its AI integration feature boosts its ability to accurately assess injury severity. This allows coaches and physios to customise training programs to the specific needs of each athlete, potentially shortening recovery time and preventing further injuries.
Generated at IIT Madras’s Centre of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), this POCUS scanner is designed to deliver advanced ultrasound technology right to the sports field, moving beyond the confines of conventional hospital settings.
Professor Thittai stated, “Our goal is to extend the latest advances in ultrasound technology to the field. The data from POCUS assessments will be integrated into a larger AI platform for a comprehensive athlete management system, which will enhance injury management as well.”
The team has already created a working prototype designed for musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging. The next phase involves refining the device and initiating field testing, with plans to collect pilot data in partnership with sports authorities. “This technology is poised to make a significant impact on sports fields,” said CESSA CEO Ramesh Kumar, highlighting its potential to transform how sports injuries are managed.
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