Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lack of intuitiveness and poor hand-eye coordination present a major technical challenge in neurosurgical navigation. METHODS: We developed an integrated dexterous stereotactic co-axial projection imaging (sCPI) system featuring orthotopic image projection for augmented reality (AR) neurosurgical navigation. The performance characteristics of the sCPI system, including projection resolution and navigation accuracy, were quantitatively verified. The resolution of the sCPI was tested with a USAF1951 resolution test chart. The stereotactic navigation accuracy of the sCPI was measured using a calibration panel with a 7x7 circle array pattern. In benchtop validation, the navigation accuracy of the sCPI and the BrainLab Kick Navigation Station was compared using a skull pha