We are proud to announce the launch of PROMI (Programmable Robotics for MRI Integration), a major R&D project led by Tekceleo and co-funded by the European Union.
PROMI represents a bold move into the future of surgical robotics, with one clear ambition: to create the first modular robotic platform fully compatible with the MRI environment.
Why PROMI?
Surgical robotics has transformed the operating room, but existing systems remain limited when it comes to real-time advanced imaging. MRI provides unmatched visibility inside the body, but it is also a hostile environment for conventional robots, which rely on electromagnetic motors and electronics that disturb MRI signals. Currently, there is no commercialy available MRI compatible actuation solution, thus making it very difficult to design and certify robots for MRI environment. As a result, in 2025, despite extensive research and testing by research institutions to design MRI-compatible surgical robots, no MRI-compatible robots are currently available on the market.
PROMI was born to bridge this gap — to make robotic interventions possible inside MRI scanners, where surgeons can benefit from the best imaging while operating with precision and safety.
Overcoming MRI Barriers with Innovation
The challenge of developing MRI-compatible robots is significant. Traditional technologies are simply not suited to the magnetic environment of an MRI. PROMI addresses these barriers through two disruptive innovations developed by Tekceleo:
- Ultrasonic progressive-wave motors: compact, precise, and completely free from magnetic interference.
- Resonant transformer-less electronics: a breakthrough control approach, both efficient and MRI-safe.
By combining these technologies, PROMI establishes a foundation for robotic platforms that can operate seamlessly within MRI systems.
A Modular Approach for Faster Development
Instead of building a single-purpose robot, PROMI introduces a modular robotic architecture. Each module is an actuation unit corresponding to a specific movement that can be assembled and adapted to specific clinical needs.
This flexibility allows:
- Researchers to develop and test new robotic concepts faster.
- Clinicians to access tailored robotic assistance for different procedures.
- Industry partners to accelerate innovation cycles and reduce costs.
PROMI is therefore not just a project, but a platform — a foundation on which the future of MRI-compatible robotics can be built. Each module will be standardized, compact, MRI compatible and previously tested for MRI safety and medical norms.
A Bridge Between Academia, Industry and Medicine
A unique aspect of PROMI is its Scientific Advisory Board, composed of leading experts in radiology, interventional surgery, robotics, and biomedical engineering. This board ensures constant alignment between clinical needs, academic research, and industrial innovation, guaranteeing that PROMI delivers real impact in both laboratories and hospitals.
Funded by the European Union
PROMI is supported by the European Union, which recognizes its potential to transform healthcare technology and strengthen Europe’s leadership in surgical robotics. This support underscores both the scientific credibility and the societal relevance of the project.
What’s Next?
PROMI has just begun its journey, with a roadmap that includes:
- Finalizing the design of MRI-compatible ultrasonic motors.
- Developing the first modular robotic demonstrator.
- Preparing for pre-clinical validations in MRI-guided interventions.
As the project moves forward, Tekceleo will regularly share updates and milestones on our website.
Join the Journey
PROMI is more than a research project — it is a vision of safer, smarter, and MRI-guided surgical robotics. Tekceleo invites researchers, clinicians, and industrial partners to connect with us and explore how we can build this future together.
👉 Stay tuned for upcoming news on PROMI — and contact us if you wish to collaborate.
