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Autonomous Ultrasound Probe in Unity

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Aahil Ansari

Project Timeline

Sep 2025 - Current

OVERVIEW

This project focuses on developing an autonomous ultrasound scanning system using Unity, ML-Agents, and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) reinforcement learning. I built a high-fidelity simulation environment with deformable tissue models (CRESSim-MPM) and synthetic ultrasound rendering, enabling agents to learn realistic probe–tissue interactions. A major step forward was transitioning from location-based to image-based rewards, allowing the agent to learn directly from ultrasound imagery rather than positional cues. Through curriculum learning, domain randomization, and integrated soft-body physics, I created a robust and clinically relevant simulation pipeline for AI-guided medical imaging.

HighlightS

  • Developed a first-of-its-kind autonomous ultrasound simulation combining SAC reinforcement learning with deformable tissue physics.
  • 🧠 Transitioned from location-based to image-based rewards, enabling agents to learn tissue targeting directly from ultrasound images.
  • 🎯 Integrated synthetic ultrasound rendering and tissue deformation models, creating a realistic environment for training medical AI.
  • 🚀 Built a unified simulation pipeline connecting soft-body physics, ultrasound imaging, and RL policies for reproducible experiments.
  • 🔄 Applied curriculum learning and domain randomization, dramatically improving agent robustness and generalization.
  • ⚙️ Optimized SAC agent performance through reward restructuring, privileged state supervision, and environment tuning.

SKILLS

UnityCRESSimUltrasoundReinforcementSACSimulationPhysicsRenderingAutomationModeling
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Aahil Ansari

Biomedical Engineering Research Assistant

I am a mechanical engineering student at the University of Alberta with a focus on biomedical applications. My experience spans laboratory research, Python programming for image analysis, CAD design for bioprinting applications, and MATLAB for data acquisition. I have developed expertise in histological analysis, molecular biology techniques, and biocompatibility testing while maintaining a 3.97 GPA and leading multiple engineering projects.


In my free time, I enjoy Badminton, Piano, Weightlifting, and Mixed Martial Arts.