A robotIc Radial palpatIon mechaniSm for breast examination (IRIS)

In this paper we present IRIS, a manipulator that is capable of applying contact forces when interacting with an object/stimulus, in increments in the order of mN up to 6N at 5 radial locations simultaneously. IRIS is based upon the contractual mechanism of its namesake: the iris diaphragm often found in cameras. Complete coverage of the surface of a realistic breast phantom is demonstrated using this contractual mechanism combined with control over the angle of incidence between the sensors and the stimulus using sim-to-real concepts. A significant amount of the complexity in control is outsourced to the morphology and compliance of the mechanism. The manipulator demonstrates the technological feasibility of a robotic clinical breast examination.