Multimodal imaging system and method

An imaging assembly, system and method for automated multimodal imaging of biological tissue is provided. It finds particular application in the medical imaging of breast tissue. An optical 3D scanner is included to determine the shape of the surface of tissue and output a plurality of 3D coordinates thereof. An X-ray generator is included for sequentially radiating X-rays at a plurality of angles, through the tissue, toward an X-ray detector positioned below the patient. An articulated arm holding an ultrasound transducer at an end thereof automatically moves the ultrasound transducer along a path defined by the obtained 3D coordinates for ultrasound imaging of the breasts while maintaining the transducer in contact with the surface at an orientation required for ultrasound imaging.