Researchers at MIT have developed a flexible robot designed to travel through the small intestine, according to 360 Mozambique. The device, named BIOSENTER, is built to help doctors detect diseases, deliver medication and collect tissue samples.
The robot measures 9.4 centimetres long and 1.3 centimetres in diameter. It moves using four inflatable chambers that expand and contract as air enters them, while an outer coating modelled on snake scales improves grip. Folded segments based on kirigami allow the machine to anchor itself against intestinal walls to push forward without damaging surrounding tissue.
During initial trials on live sedated pigs, BIOSENTER navigated inside the intestine for 11 minutes while transmitting images, collecting tissue samples and releasing fluids. The machine can move on its own but connects to an external system through a cable, allowing medical staff to control it.
The Portuguese portal Sapo reported that the trials mark progress in medical robotics, though further testing is required to confirm safety and performance before human clinical trials can begin.
