The magnetically driven robot, designed to operate in confined and complex spaces, can move in any direction-including upside down-inside the stomach and intestines. Unlike conventional endoscopes, which are rigid and limited in reach, the new system offers unprecedented mobility and precision for minimally invasive procedures.
Gastrointestinal cancers remain among the world's most lethal, largely due to late detection and the challenges of delivering localized treatment. "We asked ourselves: what if we could design a tiny, soft robot that moves effortlessly through the stomach and intestines, delivering therapy precisely where it's needed?" said lead researcher Professor Qingsong Xu.
Taking inspiration from the golden wheel spider, known for rolling and climbing over steep desert dunes, the team engineered a flexible robot made from magnetic materials controlled by external magnetic fields. A dual robotic arm system manages both navigation and real-time imaging, enabling physicians to guide the robot with precision as it traverses challenging internal terrain.
In laboratory experiments using animal tissue, the device demonstrated reliable movement across the stomach, small intestine, and colon-regions that typically hinder traditional endoscopic tools. These results suggest significant potential for future medical applications, including targeted drug delivery, tissue sampling, and micro-surgery.
"With such a robot, we may be able to reimagine how GI medical procedures can be performed," Prof. Xu emphasized. "This technology could make diagnosis and treatment far more precise, painless, and effective."
Researchers now aim to refine the design for live-animal trials, ultimately targeting clinical use that could redefine how gastrointestinal care is delivered.
Research Report:Bio-inspired magnetic soft robots with omnidirectional climbing for multifunctional biomedical applications
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