When neurosurgeon Dr. Garnette Sutherland wanted to use magnetic resonance imaging during an operation to make sure he was getting every last bit of brain tumour, he realized that he needed a robot.

Working with MDA, the Canadian company famous for making the Canadarm, they created the first robot in the world that can perform neurosurgery on a patient inside an MRI - the NeuroArm.

It’s estimated that this innovation has been used on more than 40,000 patients around the world. The robotic brain surgery is less invasive for the patients and leads to better outcomes. As a result of his work, NASA awarded Dr. Sutherland with its highest technology achievement medal for this innovation.