A custom robot for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: First assessment on healthy subjects

In this paper, a custom robotic system for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is assessed in clinical conditions on healthy subjects. A motor cortex mapping is performed using the robotic system with comparison to a manual approach using a neuronavigation system. Stimulation accuracy, repeatability are evaluated as well as the feeling of the system operator and the subject in terms of comfort, tiredness, stress level, ease-of-use. Very encouraging results are obtained on all these aspects, which strengthens the idea of developing robotic assistance for TMS.