New funding for scientists developing robotic assistance in breast screening

Posted on Tuesday 4 November 2025

The system, designed to work alongside radiographers during mammograms, aims to reduce discomfort and help patients maintain the correct position for imaging — a key factor in ensuring accurate results.

The project has received new support through a grant of more than £300K from Breast Cancer Now, enabling researchers to refine the system and move towards clinical evaluation in partnership with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and industry collaborators.

The work began in 2024, after Dr Jihong Zhu, a robotics expert from the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, was approached by radiologists from York Hospital who were looking for ways to improve accessibility after facing challenges during a routine mammogram with a patient who couldn’t access the machine.

Advanced sensors

That patient was Jane Hudson, from Harrogate. Jane had been paralysed from the chest down following a cycling accident at the age of 32 and was unable to get into the correct position for the screening machine, meaning radiographers could not obtain accurate images.

A few months later, Jane was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes.

Following Jane’s experience, Dr Roisin Bradley, Consultant Radiologist at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Director of Breast Screening for North Yorkshire, met with Dr Zhu and recognised that robotics could offer a solution to help patients who find breast screening physically difficult.

Protect privacy

Dr Zhu, Assistant Professor in Robotics at the University, said: “The latest prototype features robotic arms equipped with advanced sensors that measure how much force is applied when supporting a patient. This allows the system to provide steady, reassuring assistance without applying too much pressure. 

“With such sensory feedback, we will design intelligent behaviour so that the robot can respond in real time if a patient moves slightly, maintaining comfort and safety throughout the procedure.”

To protect privacy, the robot uses a thermal (heat-sensing) camera instead of a traditional optical one. This enables the system to “see” a patient’s posture and guide positioning without recording any identifiable visual features.

Patient advocates

Every part of the robot that makes contact with patients has been co-designed with radiographers and patient advocates to ensure ergonomic shaping and comfort. The design helps patients hold the required positions for accurate imaging while minimising strain and anxiety.

Jane worked closely with the research team in the early stages, sharing her experiences to help shape how the robot should move, support and interact with patients.

Her insight helped the team understand how robotic support could best respond to people’s needs — especially for those with limited mobility or anxiety about the procedure.

No exclusion

Jane sadly passed away recently, and the research team have dedicated their ongoing work to her memory.

Dr Zhu said: “Jane’s openness and courage inspired this project. Her story is a constant reminder of why accessibility in healthcare matters. Our goal is to ensure that no one is excluded from screening because of mobility or physical challenges.”

The research forms part of the University’s wider work on safe autonomy and healthcare robotics, exploring how advanced technologies can support clinicians and improve patient care while safeguarding dignity and privacy.