AI-powered robotic coil for precise brain stimulation (TMS)
Official title: Development of an AI-driven robotic TMS system for versatile, high-resolution cortical mapping
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-11360445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-guided robotic TMS system aims to position the stimulation coil with millimeter accuracy to map brain circuits more reliably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,167 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS149247-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who may benefit are patients undergoing TMS mapping for neuromodulation therapies or research where precise coil positioning is critical.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing TMS or whose condition does not involve cortical mapping may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project combines a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm with an AI-driven optimization algorithm to place the TMS coil precisely in real time, using brain responses to guide adjustments. It seeks to dramatically reduce misplacement and variability across sessions, potentially improving consistency in neuromodulation outcomes. The approach aims to lower the number of pulses required, speeding up sessions and reducing participant burden. The work will be tested with brain phantoms and safety systems before any clinical use to ensure dependable performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience more accurate brain stimulation with fewer sessions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior TMS methods have shown improved targeting with automation, but this project advances accuracy and efficiency to a new level.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kallioniemi, Elisa — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kallioniemi, Elisa
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.