3D Technique Research Articles

A Review of Medical Image Registration for Different Modalities.

Medical image registration has become pivotal in recent years with the integration of various imaging modalities like X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans, enabling comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of biological structures. This paper provides a comprehensive review of registration techniques for medical images, with an in-depth focus on 2D-2D image registration methods. While 3D registration is briefly touched upon, the primary emphasis remains on 2D techniques and their applications. This review covers registration techniques for diverse modalities, including unimodal, multimodal, interpatient, and intra-patient. The paper explores the challenges encountered in medical image registration, including geometric distortion, differences in image properties, outliers, and optimization convergence, and discusses their impact on registration accuracy and reliability. Strategies for addressing these challenges are highlighted, emphasizing the need for continual innovation and refinement of techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of medical image registration systems. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of accurate medical image registration in improving diagnosis.

Understanding patient-derived tumor organoid growth through an integrated imaging and mathematical modeling framework.

Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) are novel cellular models that maintain the genetic, phenotypic and structural features of patient tumor tissue and are useful for studying tumorigenesis and drug response. When integrated with advanced 3D imaging and analysis techniques, PDTOs can be used to establish physiologically relevant high-throughput and high-content drug screening platforms that support the development of patient-specific treatment strategies. However, in order to effectively leverage high-throughput PDTO observations for clinical predictions, it is critical to establish a quantitative understanding of the basic properties and variability of organoid growth dynamics. In this work, we introduced an innovative workflow for analyzing and understanding PDTO growth dynamics, by integrating a high-throughput imaging deep learning platform with mathematical modeling, incorporating flexible growth laws and variable dormancy times. We applied the workflow to colon cancer organoids and demonstrated that organoid growth is well-described by the Gompertz model of growth. Our analysis showed significant intrapatient heterogeneity in PDTO growth dynamics, with the initial exponential growth rate of an organoid following a lognormal distribution within each dataset. The level of intrapatient heterogeneity varied between patients, as did organoid growth rates and dormancy times of single seeded cells. Our work contributes to an emerging understanding of the basic growth characteristics of PDTOs, and it highlights the heterogeneity in organoid growth both within and between patients. These results pave the way for further modeling efforts aimed at predicting treatment response dynamics and drug resistance timing.

Integrated modelling of CO2 plume geothermal energy systems in carbonate reservoirs: Technology, operations, economics and sustainability

The rising CO2 content in the atmosphere calls for urgent decarbonization efforts. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) have proven effective in storing large volumes of CO2 in geological reservoirs. Nevertheless, challenges persist in identifying sustainable energy sources and efficient storage sites, especially in carbonate reservoirs. This study aims to characterize the Miocene carbonate reservoir in the Jintan Megaplatform, for CO2 storage and geothermal energy utilization. By integrating advanced technologies such as CO2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) with 3D seismic techniques, borehole analysis and numerical modelling, the study reveals the distribution of critical reservoir characteristics, including architecture, heterogeneity, karstification, fractures, porosity, permeability, temperature and pressure that are paramount for CO2 plume and energy production. The reservoir is estimated to store over 31 Gt of CO2, produce 3.824 × 1018 J of geothermal energy and ⁓44.3 GW of power. This power output can be utilized for electrification of the CCS operations, industrial and municipals, potentially generating over $1.4 billion in revenue. A flow-through model has been proposed to improve energy efficiency, reservoir management, and risk mitigation. This study advances to achieving net-zero targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on clean energy, climate action and sustainable communities.

Increasing resolution in additive manufacturing by using high-performance and non-toxic photoinitiating systems

Additive manufacturing technology has recently revolutionized the manufacturing industry. In particular, additive manufacturing based on photopolymerization is becoming increasingly popular owing to its ability to create complex geometries at a high resolution. In addition, the use of biocompatible and non-toxic human compounds allows this additive manufacturing to be used in obtaining implants or prostheses, among other applications. Photoinitiators play a key role in this process by initiating the polymerization reaction under the influence of light. Two-component photoinitiator systems, which include newly synthesized 1,4-benzoxazin-2-ones, have been developed to improve the quality and resolution of 3D printed objects. Spectroscopic studies and kinetic measurements were conducted using real-time Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Moreover, various objects were printed to identify favorable substitutions and modifications that would provide the highest efficiency for additive manufacturing. The cytotoxicity of the new compounds was also investigated to assess their safety in human and environmental health. The results presented here provide a better understanding of the effect of a properly selected photoinitiating system on the printing process, which results in better resolution of the objects obtained and can significantly reduce the printing time, while the lack of demonstration of an antiproliferative effect indicates promising potential in obtaining biomaterials using 3D bioprinting techniques.

A Comparative Evaluation of Real-Time Guided Dynamic Navigation and Conventional Techniques for Post Space Preparation During Post Endodontic Management: An In Vitro Study.

The three-dimensional (3D) dynamic navigation system (DNS; Navident, ClaroNav Technology, Toronto, ON) is a revolutionary technique in endodontics that offers superior precision and efficiency compared to existing techniques for post space preparation. The aim is to evaluate and contrast the efficacy and efficiency of the DNS with conventional post space preparation techniques. This assessment considers severalparameters, notably canal deviation (global coronal and apical deviation and angular deflection), duration of the procedure, and total volumetric loss of instrumented root canal and volumetric loss of instrumented root canal above 4 mm from the apex. Freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were chosen for this study. A total sample size of 60 (n) was included. The extracted teeth samples were divided into two groups: 3D DNS (group I; n = 30)and conventional techniques (group II; n = 30). The samples were taken, and 50% of the crown structure was reduced for post space preparation to ensure standardization between thetwo groups. The samples were root canal-treated and mounted in a 3D-printed maxillary cast. Preoperative micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were taken for both groups.For group I, post space preparation was conducted with the DNS, which provided comprehensive guidance. The procedure was stopped when post space preparation was 4 mm short of the apex, as indicated in the system display. For group II, post space preparation was done without the guidance of DNS. Time taken for the procedure was assessed using a timer; canal deviation was evaluated using CBCT analysis, and volumetric loss was estimated using micro-CT analysis. The dynamic navigation group achieves significantly more precise outcomes in post space preparation than the conventional technique. The DNS group has significantly lesser global coronal and apical deviation and angular deflection compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). The DNS group has reduced the volumetric loss of instrumented root canals compared to the conventional group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the DNS group requires significantlyless time than the conventional method, with a mean difference of about 10.567 minutes (p < 0.05). Implementing dynamic navigation improves precision in post space preparation, with a notable reduction in canal deviation and volumetric loss and a decrease in procedure time compared to the conventional method.

Visualizing mitochondrial ATP fluctuations in single cells during photodynamic therapy by In-Situ SERS three-dimensional imaging

An ultrasensitive strategy for in-situ visual monitoring of ATP in a single living tumor cell during mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) process with high spatiotemporal resolution was proposed using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) 3D imaging technique. The nanostructures consisting of Au-Ag2S Janus nanoparticles functionalized with both Au nanoparticles linked by a DNA chain and a mitochondrial-targeting peptide (JMDA NPs) were deliberately employed to target mitochondria. The JMDA NPs exhibit excellent SERS activity and remarkable antitumor activity. The quantization of ATP relies on the intensity of the SERS probes bonded to the DNA, which shows a strong correlation with the generated hot spot between the Janus and the Au. Consequently, spatiotemporally controlled monitoring of ATP in the mitochondria of single living cells during the PDT process was achieved. Additionally, the JMDA NPs demonstrated remarkable capability for mitochondria-targeted PDT, providing significant antitumor effects and superior therapeutic safety both in vitro and in vivo. Our work presents an effective JMDA NPs-based SERS imaging strategy for in-situ and real-time 3D visualization of intracellular ATP in living tumor cells during the mitochondria-targeted PDT process, which enables significant information on the time point of PDT treatment and is beneficial to precious PDT applications in tumor therapy.

Fast Robust Point Cloud Registration Based on Compatibility Graph and Accelerated Guided Sampling

Point cloud registration is a crucial technique in photogrammetry, remote sensing, etc. A generalized 3D point cloud registration framework has been developed to estimate the optimal rigid transformation between two point clouds using 3D key point correspondences. However, challenges arise due to the uncertainty in 3D key point detection techniques and the similarity of local surface features. These factors often lead to feature descriptors establishing correspondences containing significant outliers. Current point cloud registration algorithms are typically hindered by these outliers, affecting both their efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, we propose a fast and robust point cloud registration method based on a compatibility graph and accelerated guided sampling. By constructing a compatible graph with correspondences, a minimum subset sampling method combining compatible edge sampling and compatible vertex sampling is proposed to reduce the influence of outliers on the estimation of the registration parameters. Additionally, an accelerated guided sampling strategy based on preference scores is presented, which effectively utilizes model parameters generated during the iterative process to guide the sampling toward inliers, thereby enhancing computational efficiency and the probability of estimating optimal parameters. Experiments are carried out on both synthetic and real-world data. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm achieves a significant balance between registration accuracy and efficiency compared to state-of-the-art registration algorithms such as RANSIC and GROR. Even with up to 2000 initial correspondences and an outlier ratio of 99%, our algorithm achieves a minimum rotation error of 0.737° and a minimum translation error of 0.0201 m, completing the registration process within 1 s.

Advancements in 3D bioprinting for precision medicine: Enhancing patient-derived organoids and extracellular vesicle applications in inflammatory diseases

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting with cultures of patient-derived organoids represents a transformative advancement in precision medicine, enabling the creation of anatomically accurate and physiologically relevant tissue models. These models are pivotal for personalized disease modeling, therapeutic development, and regenerative medicine. 3D bioprinting enhances the structural and functional fidelity of organoids, thereby improving their application in drug screening and disease intervention strategies. Additionally, this technology facilitates the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from patient-derived organoids (PDOs), which are rich in bioactive molecules and play crucial roles in modulating immune responses. Particularly in chronic inflammatory conditions, these organoid-derived EVs are instrumental in cellular communication and improve our understanding of disease mechanisms beyond traditional biopsies. This review focuses on the latest developments in 3D bioprinting techniques for organoids and EVs, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the treatment of inflammatory diseases through precision medicine.

Design and simulation of a microfluidics-based artificial glomerular ultrafiltration unit to reduce cell-induced fouling.

The microfluidic-based Glomerulus-on-Chips (GoC) are mostly cell based, that is, 3D cell culture techniques are used to culture glomerular cells in order to mimic glomerular ultrafiltration. These chips require high maintenance to keep cell viability intact. There have been some approaches to build non-cell-based GoCs but many of these approaches have the drawback of membrane fouling. This article presents a structural design and simulation study of a dialysate free microfluidic channel for replicating the function of the human glomerular filtration barrier. The key advancement of the current work is addressing the fouling issue by combining a pre-filter to eliminate cellular components and performing filtration on the blood plasma. The Laminar Flow Mixture Model in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 has been utilized to simulate the behavior of blood flow in the microchannels. The geometrical effect of microchannels on the separation of the filtrate was investigated. The velocity at the inlet of the microchannel and pore size of the filtration membrane are varied to see the change in outflow and filtration fraction. The efficiency of the device is calculated in terms of the filtration fraction (FF%) formed. Simulation results show that the filtrate obtained is ~20% of the plasma flow rate in the channel, which resembles the glomerular filtration fraction. Given that it is not dependent on the functionality of grown cells, the proposed device is anticipated to have a longer lifespan due to its non-cell-based design. The device's cost can be reduced by avoiding cell cultivation inside of it. It can be integrated as a glomerular functional unit with other units of kidney model to build a fully developed artificial kidney.

Efficacy and safety of a novel monopolar radiofrequency device with a continuous water-cooling system in patients with age-related facial volume loss

Background Esthetic radiofrequency (RF) technology has much attracted public attention with the increasing demand for skin rejuvenation. A continuous water cooling-based monopolar RF (MRF) device was designed for the first time to protect the epidermis and maximize clinical outcomes. Objective Assess the efficacy and safety of the proposed MRF device in patients with mild-to-moderate sunken cheeks and jawline laxity. Methods Twenty-one patients underwent a single session of MRF treatment. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 3D imaging technique. Postprocedural clinical improvements were assessed with the Merz Scale. Regarding safety, adverse events (AEs), thermal sensation (TS) and pain intensity were explored. Patient satisfaction was surveyed with the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). Results The follow-up investigation demonstrated that facial volume increased across the cheek and jawline, with lifting effects throughout the treatment area. The Merz Scale assessment revealed that sunken cheeks, sagging jawlines and wrinkles were markedly improved. In addition, there were transient AEs, mild TS and moderate pain. In SAQ, 81% patients were satisfied with the procedure. Conclusions This study provided quantitative evidence for postprocedural volumetric increases along with enhanced lifting effects, strongly implying that the proposed MRF device can be an attractive option for improving facial skin volume loss and laxity.

Navigating the X-ray Computed Tomography Landscape: Tools and Techniques for 3D and 4D Imaging

Navigating the X-ray Computed Tomography Landscape: Tools and Techniques for 3D and 4D Imaging

Automatic Detection and 3D Reconstruction of Buildings from Historical Maps

ABSTRACT This paper presents an automatic 3D building reconstruction methodology for historical urban maps. It uses facade and openings detection on the maps, followed by rectification, regularization, and 3D model generation techniques. Evaluation metrics confirm the effectiveness of the approach, with high accuracy in detecting facades and their openings while maintaining geometric integrity. The flexibility and interoperability of the chosen 3D building representation method allow for adjustments in dimensions without compromising layout, making it suitable for completing the urban environments where facades may not be directly visible. This methodology represents a significant step toward automating the reconstruction of 3D historical urban landscapes, contributing to heritage preservation and architectural understanding.

Pterional vs. lateral supraorbital approach in the management of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: insights from a phantom model study

The pterional approach has traditionally been employed for managing middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. With potential benefits like reduced surgical morbidity and improved postoperative recovery, the lateral supraorbital approach (LSO) should be considered individually based on aneurysm morphology, location and patient-specific variations of the MCA anatomy, which requires considerable technical expertise traditionally acquired through years of experience. The goal of this study was the development and evaluation of a novel phantom simulator in the context of clinical decision-making in the managmement of MCA aneurysms. For this purpose, high-fidelity simulators inclusive of MCA models with identical M1- and bifurcation aneurysms were manufactured employing 3D reconstruction techniques, additive manufacturing and rheological testings. Medical students, neurosurgical residents, and seasoned neurosurgeons (n = 22) tested and evaluated both approaches. Participants’ performances and progress over time were assessed based on objective metrics. The simulator received positive ratings in face and content validity, with mean scores of 4.9 out of 5, respectively. Objective evaluation demonstrated the model’s efficacy as a practical training tool, particularly among inexperienced participants. While requiring more technical expertise, results of the comparative analysis suggest that the LSO approach can improve clipping precision and outcome particularly in patients with shorter than average M1-segments. In conclusion, the employed methodology allowed a direct comparison of the pterional and LSO approaches, revealing comparable success rates via the LSO approach while reducing operation time and complication rate. Future research should aim to establish simulators in the context of clinical decision making.

The dominant influence of muddy bottom currents on organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks: The lower Congo Basin, west Africa

The Madingo Formation in the Lower Congo Basin (LCB) of West Africa is a fine-grained strata, which is considered to be the most promising source interval during the drift stage. Despite the extensive studies of the internal sedimentary characteristics of the Lower Mading Formation (LMF), muddy bottom currents have not been previously identified in this area. Extensive seismic (2D and 3D data), wire - line measurements and cutting samples in the LCB offer a unique opportunity to study the influence of muddy bottom currents depositional system on organic matter, and related depositional environment of the region and its depositional model of organic rich fine-grained strata. This study aims to unravel the influence of muddy bottom currents on organic matter enrichment within the LMF and build a depositional model. In combination with drilling and thin sections analysis, the M-1 member suggests the initiation and cessation of muddy bottom currents. Utilizing 3D seismic data inversion techniques, geochemical analysis, and sedimentological assessment, we studied the effect of muddy bottom currents on organic matter enrichment from the perspectives of paleoproductivity, preservation conditions, terrigenous input, and total organic carbon (TOC) distribution. Results show that muddy bottom currents have a significant impact on the redistribution of shallow water shelf sediments. They promote the transportation of nutrients and organic matter to deep water shelves, improving paleoproductivity. Most notably, terrigenous input is a key factor affecting organic matter distribution, resulting in dilution effects in deep water shelf bottom current influence areas, but conducive to the preservation of deep organic matter in low-lying areas of shallow water shelf. Muddy bottom currents have a weaker influence on the preservation environment of deep water shelves, but they have a significant effect on redox indicators (eg. U/Th, Ni/Co, V/Cr). Specifically, they reduce the enrichment in particulate elements. We established the depositional models of organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks for the M-1 and M-2 members in LCB. These insights not only provide practical depositional models for marine sources rocks in the LCB, but also improves the general understanding of marine organic matter accumulation in muddy bottom currents environments. Furthermore, they serve as a reference for the study of organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks in similar basins.

Coronary Artery Anomalies: A Computed Tomography Angiography Pictorial Review.

Coronary arteries have a wide range of anatomical variability, and their spectrum ranges from asymptomatic cases to those predisposed to hemodynamic compromise or even sudden cardiac death. This paper aims to review the classification of coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) and illustrate their imaging characteristics by highlighting the important role of CT coronary angiography. Some of the coronary anomalies usually met in current practice are the high origin coronary artery, multiple ostia, aberrant origin from the opposite/non-coronary Valsalva sinus, single coronary artery, ALCAPA syndrome, duplications of the left anterior descending artery, coronary fistulas, and extracardiac terminations. CT coronary angiography is a non-invasive diagnostic modality for CAAs. The complex anatomy of these anomalies can be accurately described by employing 3D reconstructions and post-processing techniques. Knowledge of the imaging characteristics and potential functional impact of these anomalies is essential for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic planning of patients.

Double vision: 2D and 3D mosquito trajectories can be as valuable for behaviour analysis via machine learning

BackgroundMosquitoes are carriers of tropical diseases, thus demanding a comprehensive understanding of their behaviour to devise effective disease control strategies. In this article we show that machine learning can provide a performance assessment of 2D and 3D machine vision techniques and thereby guide entomologists towards appropriate experimental approaches for behaviour assessment. Behaviours are best characterised via tracking—giving a full time series of information. However, tracking systems vary in complexity. Single-camera imaging yields two-component position data which generally are a function of all three orthogonal components due to perspective; however, a telecentric imaging setup gives constant magnification with respect to depth and thereby measures two orthogonal position components. Multi-camera or holographic techniques quantify all three components.MethodsIn this study a 3D mosquito mating swarm dataset was used to generate equivalent 2D data via telecentric imaging and a single camera at various imaging distances. The performance of the tracking systems was assessed through an established machine learning classifier that differentiates male and non-male mosquito tracks. SHAPs analysis has been used to explore the trajectory feature values for each model.ResultsThe results reveal that both telecentric and single-camera models, when placed at large distances from the flying mosquitoes, can produce equivalent accuracy from a classifier as well as preserve characteristic features without resorting to more complex 3D tracking techniques.ConclusionsCaution should be exercised when employing a single camera at short distances as classifier balanced accuracy is reduced compared to that from 3D or telecentric imaging; the trajectory features also deviate compared to those from the other datasets. It is postulated that measurement of two orthogonal motion components is necessary to optimise the accuracy of machine learning classifiers based on trajectory data. The study increases the evidence base for using machine learning to determine behaviours from insect trajectory data.Graphical

Searching for Evidence of Subchromospheric Magnetic Reconnection on the Sun

Within the coronae of stars, abundances of those elements with low first ionization potential (FIP) often differ from their photospheric values. The coronae of the Sun and solar-type stars mostly show enhancements of low-FIP elements (the FIP effect) while more active stars such as M dwarfs have coronae generally characterized by the inverse-FIP (I-FIP) effect. Highly localized regions of I-FIP effect solar plasma have been observed by Hinode's EUV Imaging Spectrometer in a number of highly complex active regions (ARs), usually around strong light bridges of the umbrae of coalescing/merging sunspots. These observations can be interpreted in the context of the ponderomotive force fractionation model, which predicts that plasma with I-FIP effect composition is created by the refraction of waves coming from below the plasma fractionation region in the chromosphere. A plausible source of these waves is thought to be reconnection in the (high-plasma-β) subchromospheric magnetic field. In this study, we use the 3D visualization technique of Chintzoglou & Zhang combined with observations of localized I-FIP effect in the corona of AR 11504 to identify potential sites of such reconnection and its possible consequences in the solar atmosphere. We found subtle signatures of episodic heating and reconnection outflows in the expected places, in between magnetic flux tubes forming a light bridge, within the photosphere of the AR. Furthermore, on either side of the light bridge, we observed small antiparallel horizontal magnetic field components, supporting the possibility of reconnection occurring where we observe I-FIP plasma. When taken together with the I-FIP effect observations, these subtle signatures provide a compelling case for indirect observational evidence of reconnection below the fractionation layer of the chromosphere, however direct evidence remains elusive.

Deep 3D histology powered by tissue clearing, omics and AI.

To comprehensively understand tissue and organism physiology and pathophysiology, it is essential to create complete three-dimensional (3D) cellular maps. These maps require structural data, such as the 3D configuration and positioning of tissues and cells, and molecular data on the constitution of each cell, spanning from the DNA sequence to protein expression. While single-cell transcriptomics is illuminating the cellular and molecular diversity across species and tissues, the 3D spatial context of these molecular data is often overlooked. Here, I discuss emerging 3D tissue histology techniques that add the missing third spatial dimension to biomedical research. Through innovations in tissue-clearing chemistry, labeling and volumetric imaging that enhance 3D reconstructions and their synergy with molecular techniques, these technologies will provide detailed blueprints of entire organs or organisms at the cellular level. Machine learning, especially deep learning, will be essential for extracting meaningful insights from the vast data. Further development of integrated structural, molecular and computational methods will unlock the full potential of next-generation 3D histology.

Three-Dimensional Determination (Morphometric Study) of Arch Perimeter and Palatal Depth in an Iraqi Sample Aged 17–25 Years with Sickle Cell Anemia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary disorder caused by the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in position six of globin's beta chain. Segmental arch dimensions, arch perimeter, and palatal depth comparison between SCA and control using the three-dimensional (3D) technique was the aim of this study. This cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Karbala City. The sample consisted of 200 casts (100 SCA and 100 control). Each group consisted of 50 casts upper, and 50 casts lower (25 males and 25 females). The arch perimeter was calculated using two segmented arch lengths bilaterally. Palatal depth was measured from the mesiolingual cusp tip of the upper first permanent molar to the corresponding palatal vault. The difference between the control and SCA groups was calculated using the independent t-test. Except for lower left incisal to canine distance (LLI-C), where p = 0.01 there was no significant difference in segmental arch measurements and perimeter between males in SCA and males in control. There was no significant difference in segmental arch measurements and perimeter between females in SCA and females in control. There was no significant difference in palatal depth between the control and SCA (male and female). SCA did not affect the segmental, arch perimeter, and palatal depth measurements.

Parameters of a robotic loading device for selection seeder

In cassette-type selection seeders, a cassette loading device sequentially conveys cassettes filled with seed material to the planting mechanism of the seeder. (Research purpose) The research aims to calculate the geometric parameters and identify the cassette material in the development of a robotic cassette loading device for the selection seeder. (Materials and methods) The geometric parameters of the cassettes are determined based on the existing cassette loading device of the model SSS-2-6 selection seeder and the selection sowing specifi cations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with the wavenumber range of 400-4000 cm–1 is used to identify a polymer material suitable for manufacturing cassettes and a guide plate for a selection seeder. (Results and discussion) The geometric parameters of cassettes, cells, cassette blocks, and guide plates are determined by using various design solutions employed in previous cassettes for the loading device. The objectives of the study also encompass the selection of polymer material for the manufacture of the cassette using 3D modeling techniques. To accomplish this, it was necessary to identify the specific polymer material of the plastic cassette and guide plate samples currently used in the loading device of the SSSe-6 selection seeder. The qualitative composition of these samples is determined by infrared spectroscopy using a Simex FT-801 Infrared Fourier spectrometer. (Conclusions) The geometric parameters essential for modeling, manufacturing and further development of a robotic cassette loading device are calculated. It has been established that the device is made of a copolymer consisting of acrylonitrile, polybutadiene and styrene (known as ABS plastic), which has a sliding friction coefficient approximately 0.47-0.54. In order to decrease the coefficient of cassette friction when driving along the guide plates, additives like ceramide can be introduced into ABS during their production enhancing its sliding properties.