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Polaris Vega® VT

Envision new possibilities in OEM surgical tool tracking and navigation with the industry’s first optical tracker to combine live HD video and infrared (IR) tracking.

Specialized Optical Tracker for Augmented Reality Applications

The Polaris Vega VT combines highly accurate optical measurement and live video streaming to help OEMs develop augmented reality and machine vision system navigation.

Vega VT 1920
NDI Polaris

IR Tracking and HD Video Together

IR tracking data and video data are aligned to a common coordinate system – the IR sensors and HD video camera see the same thing simultaneously. The HD video camera provides a live view of the instruments (and procedures occurring within the measurement volume) using a third-party streaming client.

High-Precision Measurement with
Integrated HD Video Camera

Integrated Video

Integrated HD Video Camera

The integrated video camera provides a live view of the measurement volume via third-party streaming clients.

Accuracy

Exceptional Measurement Accuracy

Volumetric accuracy to 0.12 mm RMS at 60 Hz, with minimal noise while streaming video.

AR

Augmented Reality Overlay

AR overview in live video, aligned with IR data. Build virtual tools and enhanced video apps with integrated API and software.

Polaris Vega VT Technical Specifications:

PERFORMANCE
Frame Rates 20, 30, 60 Hz
Video Resolution / FPS Max 2048 x 1536 / 20 FPS 1920 x 1088 / 30 FPS 1024 x 768 / 47 FPS
Average Latency 17 ms (typical) at 60 Hz
Measurement Volume Pyramid / Extended Pyramid (optional)
Volumetric Accuracy1,2 RMS Pyramid: 0.12 mm, Ext. Pyramid: 0.15 mm
95% Confidence Interval1,2 RMS Pyramid Volume: 0.20 mm Extended Pyramid: 0.30 mm
TOOL TRACKING
Tool Types Passive, Active Wireless
DATA COMMUNICATION & CONNECTIVITY
Data Communication Gigabit Ethernet
Communication Protocol TCP
Data/Power Interface Ethernet, RJ45
Video Streaming Protocol Real-Time Streaming Protocol
HARDWARE
Dimensions (L x W x H) 591 x 103 x 106 mm
Weight 1.7 kg
Mounting Four M4 x 0.7 mm pitch x 10 mm deep threaded holes, rear mount

1 Based on a single marker stepped through more than 900 positions throughout the measurement volume using the mean of 30 samples at each position at 20°C.
2 Accuracy stated based on overall volume.

VT Datasheet

Download the
Polaris Vega XT Brochure

Revolutionize OEM surgical tool tracking and navigation with the industry’s first optical tracker, combining live HD video and infrared (IR) tracking.

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Partner with NDI to
Drive Medical Advancements

Explore NDI’s case studies to understand our comprehensive approach to partnerships and dedication to driving medical advancements through tracking technology.

Optical Education Guide

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Optical Education Guide

Download this 14-page guide to learn more about optical navigation technology and the advantages it can provide for OEM solution providers.

Legal Disclaimer
NDI tracking and measurement products are general metrology components that can be integrated into customer products, research experiments, and/or as components of medical devices that require precision measurement and tracking. While NDI components and technology can be integrated into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) medical devices, they are not specifically intended for a given application and, as such, have not been developed or manufactured in accordance with medical device standards. It remains the responsibility of the OEM customer or end-user to determine and test the suitability of NDI components and technology for their intended use, including performing any required ethics approval, verification, and validation required to demonstrate suitability and compliance. System-level testing, certification, and validation are the responsibility of the original equipment manufacturer or the applicable end-user and should be completed prior to the use of NDI products or technologies in any application.

Our Specialized Optical Tracker for Augmented Reality Applications

Our specialized optical tracker, the Polaris Vega® VT combines accurate optical measurement and live video streaming; these capabilities can be used for developing augmented reality and machine vision for OEM surgical system workflows. As with all Polaris optical trackers, the Polaris Vega VT can track OEM surgical instruments via navigation markers. The HD video camera provides a live view of the instruments (and procedures occurring within the measurement volume) using a third-party streaming client.

IR tracking data and video data are aligned to a common coordinate system – the IR sensors and HD video camera see the same thing at the same time. There is no need to calculate the offset between the IR tracking data and video streams. Medical device OEMs can use this technology to enhance existing surgical approaches, or introduce augmented reality and machine vision capabilities to their systems; for example:

  • Adding AR visualization of internal structures via image fusion
  • Studying joint range of motion before/after implant surgery
  • Registering tools automatically by scanning barcodes
  • Augmenting patient case files with procedural recordings
  • Consulting with remote staff via streamed video feed
  • Recording pre-op rehearsals to enhance surgical planning

Exceptional Measurement Accuracy
The Polaris Vega VT delivers volumetric accuracy to 0.12 mm RMS at 60 Hz, with minimal noise while streaming video. Track with confidence; hardware characterization and factory calibration optimize accuracy for measurements that are highly repeatable and reliable.

The Polaris Vega VT delivers volumetric accuracy to 0.12 mm RMS at 60 Hz, with minimal noise while streaming video. Track with confidence; hardware characterization and factory calibration optimize accuracy for measurements that are highly repeatable and reliable.

Volumetric Accuracy1,2 RMSPyramid Volume: 0.12 mm
Extended Pyramid: 0.15 mm
95% Confidence Interval1,2Pyramid Volume: 0.20 mm
Extended Pyramid: 0.30 mm


The Polaris Vega VT video camera provides a live view of the measurement volume via third-party streaming clients. Camera resolution, frame rate, and other features can be quickly configured in-field to capture sharp, high-contrast images in most operative environments.

ResolutionFrames per SecondHorizontal Field of ViewVertical Field of View
2048 x 153620 max.54.8°42.5°
1920 x 108830 max.51.8°30.6°
1024 x 76847 max.54.8°42.5°


The Polaris Vega VT software enables a live augmented reality overview of tools within the video stream, which is aligned to the IR data coordinate system. Create virtual tools and new video-enhanced applications using the built-in API and available software and source code.

Tool Types Passive, Active Wireless
Maximum Number of ToolsLoad up to 25 tools (maximum of 6 active wireless)
Maximum Number of Markers per Tool 6 single-face/20 multi-face


The Polaris Vega VT uses the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for network synchronization and the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) for streaming video. Tight data communication and synchronization are achieved by Gigabit Ethernet, and system power via POE (Power over Ethernet).

Measurement Rates20, 30, 60 Hz
Average Latency17 ms (typical) at 60 Hz
Data Communication Gigabit Ethernet
Video Streaming Protocol Real-Time Streaming Protocol