Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
14:42
Fabrication of Carbon-Based Ionic Electromechanically Active Soft Actuators
Published on: April 25, 2020
Soft Robots for Intestinal Applications: A Review on Actuation, Materials, Manufacture and Applications
Xuemei Xu1, Fei Liu1, Gongxin Li1
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Process Control for Light Industry (Ministry of Education), Institute of Automation, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Summary
Soft robots offer solutions for intestinal diagnosis and therapy, overcoming limitations of rigid endoscopes. Research reviews robotic systems, materials, and fabrication for improved clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Rigid endoscopic tools have limitations in intestinal diagnosis and therapy.
- Soft robots utilize compliant materials and novel actuation for improved intestinal applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review robotic systems developed for intestinal applications since 2000.
- To organize findings across actuation, materials, fabrication, and clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of robotic systems for intestinal applications.
- Classification and comparison of actuation strategies (fluidic, SMA, EAP, magnetic).
- Analysis of material platforms (silicones, hydrogels) and fabrication methods (casting, 3D printing, SDM).
Main Results:
- Various actuation strategies offer different advantages and limitations for intestinal robotics.
- Material properties like flexibility and biocompatibility are crucial for soft robotic design.
- Fabrication methods enable the creation of complex, functional robotic structures.
- Applications include examination, targeted drug delivery, and minimally invasive interventions.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal challenges like peristalsis, variable lumen geometry, and biosafety are key barriers.
- Interdisciplinary integration is essential for the clinical translation of soft intestinal robots.
