Key points from article :
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, measuring just 0.95 millimetres—60% smaller than any existing model. This tiny, tube-like device has the potential to revolutionize minimally invasive surgeries by navigating the intricate pathways of the human body, such as the lung’s narrowest bronchi and the oviducts, without the need for bulky instruments.
Equipped with advanced capabilities, the robot can deliver drugs, perform tissue sampling, capture high-quality images, and even conduct laser ablation. These features are made possible by a sophisticated design that combines an optical fibre array, a hollow skeleton created using microscale 3D printing, and a magnetic spray-coated functionalized skin. The robot’s gel-like coating minimizes friction, ensuring smooth and controlled movement.
The robot’s imaging and motion precision are groundbreaking. It can detect obstacles at a range of 9.4 mm—a tenfold improvement—and execute movements accurate to within 30 micrometres. Additionally, its imaging field of view is 25 times larger than before, offering unprecedented clarity for diagnosis and treatment in hard-to-reach areas.
In laboratory tests, the robot successfully navigated simulated bronchial models and excised porcine lungs, demonstrating its ability to perform complex tasks like image capture and treatment. According to Prof. Shen Yajing, the lead researcher, this innovation combines imaging, precision motion, and multifunctionality in a way previously thought impossible, marking a new era in minimally invasive surgery.
The research team plans to refine the robot's design for safety and reliability and aims to move toward clinical trials, envisioning a future where these tiny devices contribute significantly to early diagnosis and improved surgical outcomes.
