A Transformer-style robot that travels through the human body to cure diseases has been created by scientists.
The tiny shape-shifting machine is inspired by the Japanese paper-folding art of origami.
It is controlled by magnets - carrying payloads directly to a tumour, blood clot or infection.
The 'millibot' is set to revolutionize medicine - replacing pills or intravenous injections that can cause life-threatening side effects.
It can crawl, spin and swim to enter narrow spaces - dispensing drugs or investigating inner workings.
The actuator provides untethered control for non-invasive operation - allowing for miniaturisation.
It resembles the plot of Fantastic Voyage in which a submarine and its crew were shrunk - and injected into a dying patient.
They destroyed a blockage with laser guns - after venturing through veins into his brain. The sixties sci-fi classic starring Raquel Welch has stirred imaginations ever since.
The device also mirrors The Transformers - comic book characters that disguise themselves by turning into cars or trucks.
Corresponding author Dr. Ruike Zhao said the "spinning-enabled wireless amphibious origami millirobot" is as agile as its name implies.
It moves "elegantly and speedily" over an organ's slick, uneven surfaces and powers through body fluids - propelling itself wirelessly while transporting therapies.
Unlike tablets swallowed or liquids injected, it withholds medicine until "it reaches the target and then releases a high-concentration drug."
Dr. Zhao said the robot described in Nature Communications is "the most robust and multifunctional robot we have ever developed."
The mechanical engineer added: "That is how our robot achieves targeted drug delivery."
The groundbreaking design goes beyond most origami-based robots which only use foldability to control how they morph and move.
The device's dimensions also enable it to remain rigid on its way to missions. As a result, its unfolded form inherently lends itself to propulsion through the environment.
Such broad-minded considerations allowed the US team to get more out of the materials without adding bulk.
The more functionality achieved from a single structure the less invasive the procedure is, she explained.
Another unique aspect are geometrical features - including a long hole in the centre and slits angled up the sides - to reduce water resistance and boost efficiency.
Dr. Zhao said: "This design induces a negative pressure in the robot for fast swimming and meanwhile provides suction for cargo pickup and transportation.
"We take full advantage of the geometric features of this small robot and explore that single structure for different applications and for different functions."
The bot measures less than a third of an inch wide (7.8mm). It is fitted with magnetic plates - and can change direction in an instant.
Methods of locomotion are self-selected depending on the obstacles it has to overcome in the body - ranging from organs to torrents of fluid.
Just by shifting the strength and orientation of the magnetic field, the bot can sail ten times its length - in a single leap.
By folding or unfolding, a pumping action is able to deliver liquid medicine. Twisting also produces a sucking mechanism for transportation of cargo.
Dr. Zhao said: "We started looking at how all these work in parallel. This is a very unique point of this work, and it also has broad potential application in the biomedical field."
It is hoped her robots will eventually be carrying instruments or cameras into the body - as well as dispensing medicine. It would change how doctors examine patients.
Her lab is also working on ultrasound imaging to track where robots go - eliminating any need to cut open organs.
Dr. Zhao's 'first-of-its kind' bot is currently undergoing tests prior to animal experiments. If they are successful, human clinical trials will follow.
She also plans to continue scaling down her robots to further biomedical research at the microscale.
Added Dr. Zhao: "Millibots may serve as minimally invasive devices for biomedical diagnosis and treatments."
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available to download & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by SWNS. To license content for editorial or commercial use and to see the full scope of SWNS content, please email [email protected] or submit an inquiry via our contact form.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.