IMRIS Inc. and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA (News - Alert)) have reportedly signed a multimillion dollar agreement for the first phase of collaborative development of IMRIS's MR guided surgical robot, a project that took off in 2010 with the goal of commercialization of surgical robotic technology.

IMRIS is the world famous provider of image guided therapy solutions. Its solutions are being used in leading neuroscience centers worldwide. MDA delivers a broad spectrum of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored information services, to electronic information products.

Under the agreement, MDA will act as IMRIS's development and preferred manufacturing partner for image-guided surgical robotics, the companies clarified in a press release. 

The two companies claimed to have made significant progress in the development and commercialization of IMRIS image guided surgical robotic system. 

In its primary stage, the system will perform microsurgery and biopsy-stereotaxy applications on the brain with sub-millimeter precision. The system is expected to combine  the capabilities of surgical robotics with real time MR imaging in a fully integrated IMRIS surgical suite under the full control of the neurosurgeon. 

In the latter stage of development, the technology is expected to extend into a broad range of surgical applications, the companies clarified in a press release.

Supported by two robotic arms, the system will be capable of manipulating MR-compatible tools at a microscopic level from a remote workstation, the companies claimed in the release. 

In the press release, IMRIS and MDA explained how the surgeon could conduct the robot-assisted surgery on brain.

The surgeon will be able to see detailed three-dimensional images of the brain. In addition to the surgical tools, the surgeon will have hand controllers equipped with enhanced touch sensation. The system allows the surgeon to feel tissue through the robotic arms and surgical tools and apply appropriate pressure as they operate.

Garnette Sutherland, a professor of Neurosurgery, at Calgary's Foothills Hospital is leading a clinical trial utilizing the first generation of the robot on a cohort of 120 patients, the companies revealed.

The first public demonstration of IMRIS' robotic technology will be at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in Washington DC. Dr. Sutherland will share his experiences on October 3 and 4, 2011 at IMRIS booth.

“Recognition of the benefits of medical robotics continues to grow, and market demand for these value adding capabilities is increasing around the world. We believe the availability of surgical robotics within IMRIS's image guided surgery suites will prove very compelling for clinicians,” CEO of IMRIS David Graves noted in a statement.

Earlier this month IMRIS Inc. announced the sale of IMRISneuro and an iCT system to Duke Medicine ("Duke"), located in Durham, North Carolina. IMRIS previously announced this as a sale to a confidential customer on August 24, 2011.