A patent was issued to Professor Martin Yarmush and former Rutgers colleagues and students, Tim Maguire, Stanley Dunn, Kevin Nikitczuk, and Eric Novik, entitled, "Automated Vessel Puncture Device using 3-D Near Infrared Imaging and a Robotically Driven Needle” (US Patent Number 9743875). The invention describes the development of automated robotic venipuncture device containing three major components: (1) an imaging system; (2) an automated robotic end-effector unit; and (3) a computer (controller and interface).