Pangolin-shaped medical robot with aluminium scales safely navigates human body

A medical robot developed by a team of researchers utilizes soft materials and hard aluminium scales to navigate the human body safely. It can move freely, carry medication, and heat up when necessary. The robot is powered by external magnetic fields and delivers accurate treatment. This innovative soft robot provides a novel approach to internal body treatment.

Typically, soft robots are composed of flexible materials like fabrics, elastomers, or silicone. However, this robot has a soft polymer layer containing magnetic particles. Additionally, it has overlapping scales, resembling roof shingles, crafted with aluminium.

This impressive bioinspired robot, measuring one by two centimeters, has been designed for safe use within the human body to address medical needs. Its pliable exterior allows it to navigate through internal organs with ease, making it an ideal solution for delivering drugs to specific locations within the body. Through the use of an external low-frequency magnetic field, the robot can expand and curl up to move about the body efficiently.

Engineers have taken inspiration from billions of years of evolution to create this innovative and safe technology for navigating the human body. What makes the pangolin bot stand out is its ability to move freely within the body without a tether. When exposed to a high-frequency magnetic field, the robot can heat up to 70°C and is capable of addressing internal bleeding, blood clots, and even removing tumor tissue.

The robot has been extensively tested in lab environments and has successfully navigated through soft internal tissue while addressing internal bleeding. The findings of this research have been published in the esteemed scientific journal, Nature Communications.