If the idea of ​​mini-robots moving around inside the human body was taken as fiction, all indications are that within a few years this could become an iterative procedure, depending on the researchers. Vanderbilt Universityin Tennessee.

They recently announced a new version of their “Milirobot“, a millimeter-length robot that works by remote control and has the ability to climb inside the human body, specifically designed to move inside the intestines and alveoli of the lungs to apply drugs and even sensors.

In his previous version, he had difficulty moving due to his lack of traction with the inner surface of the human body and fluids, so any sudden movement could knock him over. This has been addressed in its new version, which now has small pads filled with needles to cling to mucus and not come off easily during movements like breathing or digestion.

Second Metin Sittifrom Max Planck Institute intelligent systems in Germany positive results with Milirobot register “milestone in light robotics“.

Significant progress in treatment

O Milirobot It is made of ultra-thin elastic magnetic metal, measures 3.7 mm long and 1.5 mm wide, and can carry three times its own volume and up to 20 times its own weight, according to a co-author of the study. Indan Wu.

For control, researchers need to use a machine that manipulates the electromagnetic field near the organ, which makes Milirobot rotate, that is, when one foot is on the ground, the robot lifts the other foot off the surface and rotates the body to take a “step” inside the body.

As for the obstacle to making the mucosal can be attached as well as let go, it was a long one. According to the co-author of the study, Xiaoguang Dong from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee:

“The team first tried adding pads to the paws that grip tissue, inspired by the way some intestinal parasites attach themselves. But they had trouble reproducing the high effort required – and getting the robot to break free was also not easy.”

The solution found by the research team came from something that we Brazilians, or at least outdoor walkers, know very well, namely burdock.

To mimic the same stick-and-release effect, the “cushion” of the needles was coated with a thin layer of crustacean shell chitosan, which gave an exceptionally positive result in tests, since it now created friction and viscosity. enough to keep a layer of mucus in the pigs’ lungs and digestive tract.

During the various tests carried out in the lab, the team was very excited about their results. how Milirobot it attaches only to the mucous membrane, does not damage internal tissues, which allows it to be used for various types of treatment or even simply take materials to organs, such as the heart.

It is possible that in the future we may have many people with tiny robots that will fight a variety of diseases.

The full survey can be read here.

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Source: The New Scientist, Science Org.