Infrared Active Markers for OEM Surgical Robots
Learn how NDI’s active markers provide precise positional data for OEM robotic navigation and imaging platforms in orthopaedic, spinal, and cranial applications.
Active Markers
There are two types of markers for use with Optical tracking solutions: passive markers, which reflect light, and active markers, which emit light. The choice between them depends on the system design and the OEM application.
The active marker is an infrared emitting diode (IRED) mounted in a ceramic base. While the emitted light is invisible to the human eye, it can be detected by Optical Trackers like NDI’s Polaris Vega® and Polaris Lyra®.
The position and orientation of a tool or a robot end-effector equipped with these markers can be calculated, providing positional data for OEM robotic navigation platforms.
Wired and Wireless Options
Active markers can be used in either wired or wireless tools.
An active wired tool is powered by a System Control Unit (SCU). The wired connection allows for smaller tools and simpler geometries.
An active wireless tool does not require a physical connection to the system. It can be powered using batteries or an external power source while maintaining wireless synchronization with the Polaris® Optical Tracker through infrared ‘chirps’.
Innovation in Surgical Robotics through Infrared LEDs
NDI’s active markers are widely adopted in OEM-developed robotic tracking and navigation platforms.
With a low profile and compact size, NDI’s active markers can be built directly into the robot end-effector or a complementary imaging device, providing a sleek design and reducing the application workflow set-up time.
Active markers are sterilizable and reusable, helping OEMs design cost-effective application workflows.
Polaris® Active Tools & Accessories
NDI offers a range of products to support the development and integration of active wired or wireless tools into surgical image-guided systems.
Polaris® Active Wired Tools
Polaris® Active Probe
Active probe for OEM testing and evaluation purposes. Requires a Polaris® System Control Unit (SCU).
Polaris® Active Rigid Body
Active rigid body for OEM testing and evaluation purposes. Requires a Polaris® System Control Unit.
Active Wired Tool Accessories
Polaris® System Control Unit (SCU)
A compact SCU for use with the Polaris Vega® Optical Tracker to power and control active wired tools. The key features of the SCU include:
- 2 MOPP (Means of Patient Protection) between components
- 2 port system for seamless tool exchange
- Compact and easily mountable in a cart or system
Build Your Own Tool: Polaris® Tool Developer Kits
NDI provides Tool Developer Kits to facilitate rapid prototyping of passive and active tools.
The kit includes:
- NDI Passive Sphere™ (total 25)
- Polaris® Sphere Mounting Posts (total 12)
- Polaris ® Active Markers (total 50)
- Polaris® Active tool cable assembly
For tool characterization, NDI’s Cygna-6D software is available for download through the NDI Customer Support Site.
Polaris® Tool Starter Kits
NDI offers the core components for initial evaluation of Polaris Vega® Optical tracking technology in a single kit. Available in Hybrid or Passive formats. Development tool accessories intended for evaluation and prototyping purposes only. Not intended for clinical use.
The Polaris Vega® Tool Starter Kit – Hybrid includes:
- x2 Polaris® Passive Rigid Bodies
- Polaris® Passive Probe
- Polaris® Active Rigid Body
- Polaris® Active Probe
- x2 Polaris® Rigid Body Clamps
- NDI Passive Sphere™ (total 25)
Polaris® Active Wireless Tools
Polaris® Photodiodes
Receiver for use with active wireless tools. A required component to build active wireless tools.
Active Wireless Sample Tool
Active wireless tool for testing and evaluation purposes.
Tool Definition File and Tool Design Guide for active wireless can be found on the NDI Customer Support Site.
Active Wireless Information Package
To support customers with the development of active wireless tools, NDI provides a reference design information package. This design package can be used with any Polaris product and is available for download via the Customer Support Site.
The package includes:
- Tool Design Guide
- Receiver Assembly Design Files
- Carrier Board Assembly Files
- Firmware Binary File
- Source Code Binary File
- Tool Definition File
Accelerate OEM Surgical Robotics Development
Design and develop your surgical robotic navigation platform faster with the KUKA Development Kit. The development kit is designed for OEMs looking to accelerate feasibility evaluation, technical design requirements, and bench-top testing phases.
Kit Includes:
- KUKA LBR Med Collaborative Robot
- NDI Polaris® Vega XT Optical Tracker
- MPE OEM cart
- Polaris® Starter Tool Kit- Passive
- Sample code for real-time dynamic tracking
The KUKA development kit facilitates the use of Active Markers for the OEM’s robot end-effectors. The KUKA robot flange is specifically designed to integrate with an active wired end-effector or mount for active wired tools. The ‘Inside Tool Connector’ provides sufficient wiring for both small and large tools, while NDI’s cable assembly on the robot base enables easy SCU connection.
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