Tiny remote-control caterpillar robot will deliver medicine inside human body
A new device has been created by scientists in Hong Kong to transport drugs in to the body via remote control
A TINY super-strong robot with “caterpillar” legs could deliver drugs inside the human body.
The 0.15mm-wide device, made using a silicon material and operated by remote control, has hundreds of 0.65mm legs.
Laboratory tests by the City University of Hong Kong showed the design has 40 times less friction than a limbless robot.
Study leader Assistant Prof Shen Yajing said: “It is extremely suitable for delivering a drug to a de- signated spot or carrying out medical inspection.”
Lab tests showed that it was capable of carrying a load 100 times heavier than itself, a strength comparable to an ant, one of the strongest creatures in nature, or to a human being able to "easily" lift a 26-seated mini-bus.
Dr Shen said: "The amazingly strong carrying capability, efficient locomotion and good obstacle-crossing ability make this milli-robot extremely suitable for applications in a harsh environment, for example delivering a drug to a designated spot through the digestive system, or carrying out medical inspection."
Before conducting further tests in animals and eventually in humans, the research teams are further developing and refining their research in three aspects, namely finding a biodegradable material, studying new shapes, and adding extra features.
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