US Patent 9914211 Hand-guided automated positioning device controller

An automated positioning device and associated method for use in a medical procedure is provided. The automated positioning device comprises a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a multi-joint positioning arm electrically coupled to the computing device and controlled by the computing device, and a sensor module attached to the multi-joint positioning arm and providing a proximity signal to the computing device indicating proximity of a target. The computing device provides a control signal to the multi-joint positioning arm to move the multi-joint positioning arm in response to the proximity signal.