Nagoya researchers' 3D microscope VR system speeds up ICSI micro-manipulation

As demand for assisted reproductive technology (ART) grows, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) — a procedure where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg — relies heavily on highly skilled embryologists. Their shortage is becoming a critical bottleneck. To address this, Nagoya University researchers Kenta Yokoe, Tadayoshi Aoyama, Toshiki Fujishiro, Masaru Takeuchi, and Yasuhisa Hasegawa developed an immersive micro-manipulation system that requires no special skills, published in ROBOMECH Journal.

The system pairs a real-time 3D imaging microscope with two types of 3D operation interfaces: a stationary pen-type and a wearable glove-type. An operator wears a head-mounted display (HMD) and is immersed in a virtual micromanipulation space, where they can move pipettes using the 3D interface and freely change their viewpoint. In two experiments with human subjects, the system significantly improved both the speed and accuracy of pipette operation compared to conventional 2D microscope-based manipulation. This could let less-trained staff perform ICSI reliably, reduce embryologist fatigue, and potentially improve IVF outcomes by making delicate steps more precise and repeatable.