Microbubble bots guided through complex brain vessels using ultrasound

Researchers have developed a bubble microrobot capable of being guided around the tiny complex blood vessels of the brain using ultrasound. Successfully tested in mice, the ‘microvehicle’ holds potential as a means of precisely delivering drugs to trea… Continue reading Microbubble bots guided through complex brain vessels using ultrasound

Medical nanobots could communicate by releasing molecules into bloodstream

Implants and tiny machines could eventually be working inside our bodies to help treat disease or monitor activity, but letting them communicate is tricky. Now scientists at EPFL have developed a system whereby devices can communicate by releasing mole… Continue reading Medical nanobots could communicate by releasing molecules into bloodstream

Sound-powered microbots zip to where they’re needed to deliver drugs

Researchers have taken another step forward in medical micro-robotics, designing a tiny, speedy, self-propelled bot that may one day deliver medications directly where they’re needed inside the body.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, TechnologyTags: M… Continue reading Sound-powered microbots zip to where they’re needed to deliver drugs

Algae cells pressed into service as pneumonia-treating microrobots

Scientists have recently had success in curing mice of a serious type of pneumonia, using what are described as “microrobots.” The bots were actually live algae cells, which carried life-saving medication throughout the rodents’ lungs.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Algae cells pressed into service as pneumonia-treating microrobots

Tiny shapeshifting robots brush and floss your teeth, kill bacteria

Like many menial tasks, there may soon be a way to outsource brushing your teeth to robots. Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a system of microrobots that can change shape to form bristles or floss. They don’t just brush plaque… Continue reading Tiny shapeshifting robots brush and floss your teeth, kill bacteria

Injectable electroactive “microbots” may one day heal broken bones

Complex bone fractures can be difficult to treat, sometimes requiring the injured bone to be removed and replaced with bone harvested from elsewhere in the body. Thanks to an experimental new material, though, bone-building micro-robots may someday pro… Continue reading Injectable electroactive “microbots” may one day heal broken bones

Stem cell microbots travel from nose to brain to treat disease

Researchers in Korea have developed microbots made of stem cells that can be delivered through the nose into the brain. These “Cellbots,” which bypass the blood-brain barrier, could one day be used to treat brain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases…. Continue reading Stem cell microbots travel from nose to brain to treat disease

Microrobot fish swims through the body to vomit drugs on cancer

Delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to cancers could help reduce side effects, and soon that job could be done by tiny 3D-printed robotic animals. These microrobots are steered by magnets, and only release their drug payload when they encounter the … Continue reading Microrobot fish swims through the body to vomit drugs on cancer

Starfish larvae inspire vortex-powered microrobot

Nature is a never-ending source of inspiration for robots, whether it’s bees, bacteria, cockroaches, fish or even scallops. Now an unlikely new candidate has joined the list – starfish larvae, which use tiny hairs to create a vortex to propel themselve… Continue reading Starfish larvae inspire vortex-powered microrobot

Bubble-powered drug-delivery microbots are steered by ultrasound

Although many scientists have been working on microscopic “robots” that could deliver drugs to specific locations within the body, one challenge remains – powering the things without the use of bulky onboard batteries. A new approach utilizes ultrasoun… Continue reading Bubble-powered drug-delivery microbots are steered by ultrasound