Vine robots could revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment, a study by the University of Leeds reveals.
The innovative “magnetic vine robots” developed by researchers at Leeds can expand as they move and maneuver through narrow pathways in the body, such as the bronchial tree, with great precision. By magnetizing their ‘skin’ and controlling them with external magnets, these small robots can navigate complex pathways that conventional tools struggle to reach.
According to Professor Pietro Valdastri, the director of the STORM Lab at the university, these robots have the potential to greatly enhance current medical procedures, such as bronchoscopies, by providing better access to hard-to-reach areas within the body. This breakthrough technology could lead to improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Lead author Josh Davy emphasizes that the unique movement capabilities of these robots, which mimic the growth of creeping vines, can significantly reduce friction and damage to surrounding tissue, making them ideal for delicate procedures. These robots have the ability to open up collapsed body cavities and create channels for tools and cameras, expanding their potential applications in the field of healthcare.
