#Hong Kong #Engineering #HKUST #Biomedical Robot

Hong Kong University Introduces World's Smallest Multifunctional Biomedical Robot

In a remarkable leap forward in medical technology, researchers from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have successfully created the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot. Measuring just 0.95 mm in diameter, this innovative device is 60% smaller than existing endoscopic robots and is designed to revolutionize interventional diagnosis and treatment in healthcare.

The newly developed robot boasts an impressive range of capabilities, including imaging, precision motion, and multifunctional operations such as sampling, drug delivery, and laser ablation. This combination of features represents a significant breakthrough, as it offers enhanced imaging performance and a staggering tenfold improvement in obstacle detection capabilities. These advancements make it possible for the robot to navigate through narrow and complex pathways in the human body, such as the end bronchi of the lungs and the oviducts, where traditional larger robots might struggle.

Key Features of the Robot

What sets this robot apart is not only its diminutive size but also its ability to simultaneously integrate crucial specifications that were considered unachievable until now. With a qualifying obstacle detection distance of approximately 9.4 mm, the robot achieves revolutionary motion precision of less than 30 micrometers and expands the imaging area by about 25 times compared to existing models.

The design and functionality of the robot are the result of extensive research led by Associate Professor Prof. SHEN Yajing from the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) at HKUST. The tiny device incorporates four major components:

• - Optical Fiber Array: This element captures high-quality images from within the human body.
• - Custom Treatment Tool: A specialized tool delivers treatments with unparalleled precision.
• - Hollow Skeleton: A microscale 3D printer creates a framework to support the fibers and tools effectively.
• - Functionalized Skin: This skin enhances the control movement of the robot and allows it to glide smoothly during procedures, assisted by a gel-like outer layer that minimizes friction.

Successful Testing and Future Directions

The research team has conducted successful tests of the robot in controlled environments, including in vitro bronchial models and ex-vivo porcine lungs. These trials have demonstrated the robot's ability to navigate challenging spaces, provide clear imaging, and perform targeted treatments effectively.

Prof. Shen emphasizes the potential of this groundbreaking robot for clinical applications, stating, “Small-scale continuum robots have great promise for interventional diagnosis and treatment, yet past attempts have struggled to incorporate compactness, navigational precision, and visual functional treatment. Our studies provide a vital solution for developing surgical robots, facilitating early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in hard-to-reach areas.”

The potential implications of this technology in various clinical applications are significant. Small continuum robots are increasingly used in treatments of diverse medical conditions, including cardiac diseases via stent deployment and addressing gastric perforations using single-port laparoscopy.

Plans for Further Development

Looking ahead, the research team aims to enhance the robot's features further, ensuring successful integration into real-world settings. Dr. ZHANG Tieshan, a postdoctoral fellow at HKUST and co-author of the study, advocates for continued optimization of the design and control systems of the fiber optic robot, emphasizing safety and reliability in interventional surgeries.

Furthermore, the team aspires to initiate in vivo trials to observe the robot's performance in clinical settings, which would significantly advance the field of minimally invasive surgery. Their findings have recently been published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, underscoring the importance of this innovation.

In conclusion, the development of the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot by HKUST is a notable advancement in medical technology, paving the way for a new era in minimally invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes across diverse medical fields.