Imris is a Canadian Manufacturer of a magnetic resonance Imagine (MRI) system for use in neurosurgical operating rooms. The technology was developed by surgeons, for surgeons. Their patented, intra-operative system is designed so that the magnet moves over the patient for imaging before, during and after surgery. It then can be retracted to allow complete surgical access to the patient.

The Kangaroo team was first commissioned by IMRIS to aid in the Industrial Design, engineering and Production strategy for the iMotion 1.5 tesla system that was targeted to be installed in 6mths in Harvard Children’s Hospital Boston, Mass. Together with IMRIS, a design language was chosen that would distinguish the IMRIS brand yet still be closely identified as part of the Siemens MRI family.

Within this tight timeframe, Kangaroo designed and engineered and installed the complete frame and enclosures set around the Siemens Symphony Magnet.



After the Success of this first installation, IMRIS and Kangaroo worked towards the iMotion Neuro II-SE installation that would incorporate the new Seimens Espree 3 tesla magnet in another short timeline.

Kangaroo brought the various project players together, and acted as a catalyst to development of the mutual industrial design strategy between IMRIS and Seimens Medical Solutions / MR Section. This enabled the integration of existing Siemens paneling, CAD and access to their vendors to design an IMRIS specific paneling system. In the process of integration and design of the IMRIS magnets, Kangaroo created numerous sketches and rough CAD models. A variety of forms and colors were initially explored and reviewed with IMRIS to aid in reaching the best designs possible within tight requirements specifications. Our design focused on main points of user interface. Area’s such as the head coil connector outlets, user interface monitor and I/O panel. Kangaroo also took in consideration the reducing feelings of patient claustrophobia. This achieved through the design of the colored front panels and funnel to draw the eye away from the center and giving an enlarged impression of the bore tube.

Kangaroo coordinated the production of the various components for both the iMotion and iMotion Nuero-SE. In both, all parts were designed to use a combination of Reaction injection Molding (RIM), thermoforming and fiberglass. And together with IMRIS, we strategized using a combination of prototype tooling and hand fabrication to meet tight lead times intended for the first few instillations.

Since the success of the both the iMotion and iMotion Neuro-SE, Kangaroo has been involved in the integration of 4 generations of magnets that allow an assortment of both intra-operative and diagnostic services using the same magnet.