5 replies to this topic

[Nvyseal]

On February 26, researchers from Ritsumeikan University and the Shiga University of Medical Science completed work on a miniature robot prototype that, once inserted into the body through an incision, can be freely controlled to perform medical treatment and capture images of affected areas. The plastic-encased minibot, which measures 2 cm (0.8 inch) in length and 1 cm (0.4 inch) in diameter, can be maneuvered through the body by controlling an external magnetic field applied near the patient.

While other types of miniature swallowable robots have been developed in the past, their role has mostly been limited to capturing images inside the body. According to Ritsumeikan University professor Masaaki Makikawa, this new prototype robot has the ability to perform treatment inside the body, eliminating the need for surgery in some cases.

The researchers developed five different kinds of prototypes with features such as image capture functions, medicine delivery systems, and tiny forceps for taking tissue samples. MRI images of the patient taken in advance serve as a map for navigating the minibot, which is said to have performed swimmingly in tests on animals. Sensor and image data is relayed back to a computer via an attached 2-mm diameter cable, which looks like it can also serve as a safety line in case the minibot gets lost or stranded.

[chriso_86]

Cool!!! I did a report once in high school on nanotechnology. They will one day have little nanobugs that can go into your body and destroy cancer and other stuff from the inside. Pretty amazing stuff!!!

[Nvyseal]

did you see the saw and the little pinchers on that bugger? id hate to have a rogue nanobot inside me slowly slicing me up

[m.oreilly]

Nvyseal, on Feb 26 2007, 07:38 PM, said:

did you see the saw and the little pinchers on that bugger? id hate to have a rogue nanobot inside me slowly slicing me up

exactly... bad idea all 'way round scary stuff...

[Christopholofigus]

*shudders*

[chriso_86]

Don't worry, I am sure it will be using Linux or Unix as a operating system. LOL

Also, it probably has a self destruct code that you can send to it.