A US student has created a device that utilises AI and AR to assist surgeons during neurosurgery.
The Augmented Reality Intraoperative Neurosurgical System, or AuRING, was developed after Darren Lau, an Academy at the Lakes senior, observed a friend’s brain shift during surgery.
His project features augmented reality glasses, which he aims to patent, designed to support real-time surgical decision-making and ensure precise tumour localisation throughout procedures.
AuRING uses an algorithm that processes preoperative MRI and intraoperative ultrasound data; the AR glasses overlay a virtual guide over the neurosurgeon’s view, effectively mapping a route to the tumour.
The device supports real-time surgical decision-making and helps surgeons maintain accurate tumour localisation during procedures.
Lau told Spectrum News: ‘The basic premise of this project is that during brain tumour neurosurgeries, the brain will physically shift and compress. Neurosurgeons, when they’re trying to locate the brain tumour, they’re using MRI and CT scans. But if the brain is moving, those brain tumours are moving along with the brain, and those MRI and CT scans are no longer accurate.’
He added: ‘I want to be at the crossroads of medicine and technology. I hope to engineer devices that can assist surgeons and doctors, but I also want to use technology to help people.’
He entered the device in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, a platform for students to present original, independent research.
AuRING was selected as one of 300 scholars from over 2,600 applicants across 826 schools nationwide, earning both Lau and the Academy at the Lakes a $2,000 grant.
Lau said he will use the grant to further develop the software and technology.
This achievement places him among the top 300 high school scientists in the country in the oldest and most prestigious science and maths competition.
