Fig. 1: Comparison of manual, tele-echography, autonomous robotic ultrasound examination.

a Manual ultrasonography: sonographers conduct ultrasound scans using a handheld transducer and manually measure biometrics. b Tele-echography: sonographers operate the transducer on a simulator, and then the adjustments are executed by a distant robotic arm holding the transducer, mirroring the sonographer’s actions. They also manually measure biometrics on the remote control device. c Autonomous robotic ultrasonography: empowered by the foundation model, the robotic system automatically performs scanning, biometric measurements, and plaque screening, demonstrating significant clinical potential.