SoRSS: A Soft Robot for Bio-Mimicking Stomach Anatomy and Motility

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Robotics
• Digestive System Physiology

Background:

• The human stomach mechanically and chemically digests food via peristaltic waves, specifically antral contraction waves (ACW).
• Accurate simulation of stomach function is crucial for research but challenging with traditional rigid robotic designs.
• Soft robotics offers a promising approach to replicate the dynamic and compliant nature of biological organs like the stomach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the concept, design, and experimental validation of a soft robotic stomach simulator (SoRSS).
• To develop a robotic system capable of replicating human stomach anatomy and motility, including ACW and antral contracting pressure (ACP).
• To provide a realistic alternative to *in vivo* testing for studying digestive processes.

Main Methods:

• Designed a soft robotic stomach simulator (SoRSS) using pneumatic bellows for linear elongation and circular contraction.
• Arranged multi-ring actuators to generate ACW and ACP, mimicking human stomach mechanical functions.
• Validated the SoRSS functionality using videofluoroscopy, analyzing ACW, ACP, and digestion phases.

Main Results:

• The SoRSS successfully generated realistic antral contraction waves (ACW) and antral contracting pressure (ACP).
• Experimental validation demonstrated the simulator's ability to replicate human stomach anatomy and motility.
• Videofluoroscopy results showed distinct digestion phases during the SoRSS actuation, consistent with medical studies.

Conclusions:

• The developed SoRSS is a functional soft robotic simulator capable of replicating human stomach mechanical functions.
• This soft robotic approach provides a viable platform for *in vitro* research on stomach digestion and motility.
• The SoRSS's validated performance supports its use in advancing digestive system research and testing.