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Micro-intestinal robot with wireless power transmission: design, analysis and experiment
Yu Shi1, Guozheng Yan1, Wenwen Chen1
1820 Institute, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People׳s Republic of China.
Computers in Biology and Medicine
|August 18, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a novel inchworm-inspired intestinal robot with Archimedes spiral legs for enhanced endoscopic navigation. Wireless power transmission enables its safe and effective operation for improved intestinal diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Video capsule endoscopy offers noninvasive intestinal visualization but lacks active mobility.
- Wireless power presents a viable solution to overcome the limitations of traditional capsule endoscopes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel, self-propelled intestinal robot for enhanced endoscopic diagnosis.
- To integrate a wireless power transmission system for sustained robot operation within the gastrointestinal tract.
Main Methods:
- An inchworm-inspired intestinal robot was designed with Archimedes spiral legs for stable, safe locomotion.
- A wireless power transmission (WPT) platform was engineered, focusing on efficiency, frequency stability, and electromagnetic safety.
- The robot's functionality and the WPT system were experimentally verified in an isolated intestine model.
Main Results:
- The robot system achieved an average speed of 23 mm/minute in an isolated intestine.
- Video data was captured at 320x240 resolution with a 30 fps transmission rate.
- The WPT platform delivered up to 500 mW with 12% power transfer efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The developed intestinal robot, powered wirelessly, is demonstrated as a safe and effective tool for endoscopic applications.
- Wireless power is a feasible energy solution for autonomous endoscopic devices.
- Future research directions for enhancing the robot and WPT system are outlined.
