Snake-inspired soft robot could help doctors diagnose and treat small intestine disorders
Disorders of the small intestine are often difficult to diagnose and treat. More than 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter and located deep within the body, this organ is harder to access than other parts of the digestive tract, such as the colon or stomach.
A snake-inspired soft robot designed by MIT engineers could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of small intestine disorders. The robot, which is 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 meters) long and just an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, navigates the narrow passage of the small intestine using a locomotion strategy inspired by snakes.
Its movement is controlled by multifunctional actuators that can inflate and deflate in different combinations, allowing the robot to extend or bend in any direction. Specialized kirigami sleeves, inspired by the Japanese art of paper cutting and folding, provide the robot with traction and enhanced grip within the slippery lining of the intestine.
This innovative design enables the robot to perform various tasks, such as imaging, drug delivery, and tissue sampling for biopsy. In animal studies, the robot successfully traveled about 2 meters through the small intestine and demonstrated the ability to perform imaging, drug delivery, and tissue sampling. The researchers aim to further develop the navigation systems and explore additional applications of this soft robot in small intestine evaluation.
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