Skin cancer assessment using a robotically controlled THz imaging device

Terahertz (THz) imaging detects hydration-related changes in skin, which are useful for identifying cancer due to the higher water content in tumors. The MacPherson group has developed the PicoBot, a robotic THz probe for consistent and precise in vivo skin imaging. The PicoBot has been used for the first of its kind in vivo THz measurements of skin cancer patients that are being used to build algorithms for skin assessment studies. This article focuses on the challenges faced in this clinical study and methods adopted in terms of system redesign, workflow simplification, and software implementation to ensure smooth and consistent data collection.