Photoacoustic imaging combined with robotics: a review of current works

Abstract

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a hybrid imaging modality that combines optical excitation with ultrasound (US) detection to achieve high-resolution, high-contrast imaging of biological tissues. As a non-ionizing and scalable imaging technique, PAI has been widely applied in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, enabling functional and molecular imaging of a variety of medical conditions. In recent years, the rapid advancement of medical robotics has introduced new possibilities for PAI, particularly in the technologies of automated scanning, teleoperated robotics systems, and microrobots. This review surveys the latest developments at the intersection of PAI and robotics, categorizing them by integration level and application domain, with a primary focus on biomedical and clinical implementations. We conclude with perspectives on how these emerging technologies may drive future innovations in imaging, intervention, and healthcare robotics.