Development of a micro-robot for endoscopes based on wireless power transfer.

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Conventional endoscopic procedures often lack autonomous mobility and wireless power/data transfer capabilities.
• Existing micro-robot endoscopes face limitations in propulsion, power supply, and real-time communication.
• The need for advanced, untethered diagnostic tools in gastrointestinal exploration is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a prototype wireless micro-robot system for endoscopic applications.
• To enable autonomous locomotion and wireless power/data transmission for gastrointestinal exploration.
• To demonstrate real-time video capture and broadcasting from within the digestive tract.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a novel micro-robot utilizing linear actuators powered by a DC motor for earthworm-like propulsion.
• Integration of a wireless module for simultaneous communication and power transfer to the micro-robot.
• In vivo testing of the micro-robot's locomotion, power supply stability, and video transmission capabilities in a porcine model.

Main Results:

• The developed linear actuator achieved a driving force of up to 2.55 N.
• The wireless system provided a stable power supply of up to 480 mW to the receiving coil.
• The micro-robot demonstrated reliable, autonomous creeping in both the small and large intestines of a pig, transmitting real-time video.

Conclusions:

• The wireless micro-robot system successfully meets the requirements for autonomous locomotion and wireless power/data transfer in endoscopic applications.
• The prototype exhibits reliable performance in navigating the porcine gastrointestinal tract.
• This technology offers a promising advancement for minimally invasive diagnostics and exploration within the digestive system.