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Steering strategies for wasp inspired self propelled needles
Jette Bloemberg1, David Justin Jager2, Paul Breedveld3
1Bio-Inspired Technology (BITE) Group, Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. j.bloemberg@tudelft.nl.
Scientific Reports
|August 23, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a self-propelled, steerable needle inspired by parasitic wasps. The bioinspired needle design enhances precision for medical interventions by preventing buckling and enabling omnidirectional steering.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Thin needle insertion into solid substrates is challenging due to bending and buckling.
- Parasitic wasps utilize natural mechanisms for precise needle insertion, offering bioinspiration for engineering solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-propelled, steerable needle incorporating wasp-inspired mechanisms for enhanced precision in interventions.
- To evaluate the propulsion efficiency and steering performance of the bioinspired needle design.
Main Methods:
- A multi-segment needle (0.89 mm outer diameter) with a steerable central segment was designed, utilizing pretension and asymmetry.
- The needle's ability for omnidirectional steering was achieved through retraction and rotation of the prebent central segment.
- Performance was assessed in tissue-mimicking phantoms, measuring propulsion efficiency and steering capabilities.
Main Results:
- The needle demonstrated propulsion efficiencies of 63% ± 4% for forward motion and 55% ± 7% for steering motion.
- Successful steering was achieved with a mean deflection-to-insertion ratio of 0.41 ± 0.11, corresponding to a 44 mm radius of curvature.
- The design effectively mitigated buckling issues inherent in thin needle insertion.
Conclusions:
- The proposed bioinspired needle design represents a significant advancement for steerable needle technology.
- This research paves the way for improved percutaneous interventions requiring precise needle placement and steering.
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