A group of researchers and engineers working out of MIT, the University of Sheffield and the Tokyo University of Technology have joined forces to develop an exceptionally advanced and high-tech ingestible robot that could be capable of removing harmful foreign objects from your body.
This high-tech robot comprises a special heat-sensitive material that is located between two layers. When heated up, the middle layer contracts, causing the robot to fold according to a split pattern. The robot is compressible enough to be fit inside a capsule that can easily be ingested.
Incredible as it may sound, Americans swallow 3,500 button batteries every year, which is why this ingestible robot could prove to be a life-saving invention.
Battery-Removing Ingestible Robots
This Micro-Sized Robot Can Remove Harmful Objects From Stomachs
Trend Themes
1. Ingestible Robotics - Developing highly advanced robots capable of performing tasks within the body, such as removing foreign objects, presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the medical field.
2. Heat-sensitive Materials - Advancements in heat-sensitive materials enable the development of compact and flexible robots that can be ingested, opening up opportunities for new applications in various industries.
3. Medical Device Innovation - The creation of innovative medical devices like ingestible robots can revolutionize healthcare by providing safer and more efficient solutions for diagnostics and treatments.
Industry Implications
1. Medical - The medical industry can leverage ingestible robots to enhance patient care, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enable non-invasive procedures for foreign object removal.
2. Materials Science - Advancements in heat-sensitive materials have potential applications not only in robotics but also in areas like electronics, aerospace, and consumer products.
3. Consumer Electronics - Ingestible robotics technology opens up opportunities for creating novel consumer products that provide personalized health monitoring and treatment capabilities.