A team of innovative researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has introduced a new type of mini robot called TrainBots that could help improve medical procedures and more. These new units can accomplish tasks such as linking up with other bots and navigating complex bodily passages like those found in your intestine. Here’s what you need to know about TrainBots and how they could help improve the lives of millions one day.
Mini Robots in Healthcare
Mini robots continue to find a home in the healthcare sector. These devices have now been used to diagnose, deliver treatment, and more. Mini robots are characterized by their tiny nature with most measuring between a nanometer and a centimeter. Notably, these devices bring a lot to the table for healthcare workers. For one, they can help to access hard-to-reach areas and play a vital role in many new non-invasive surgical procedures. As such, there’s a strong demand for these services across the market. However, these tiny robots are limited in many ways.
Problems with Mini Robots Today
One of the main issues surrounding mini robots in healthcare is the same reason they are excellent in many scenarios: their tiny size. The sheer minuscule nature of these robotics means that they can’t move or carry anything that requires a lot of force. For example, it would be impossible for a single mini robot to deploy a long and thin catheter or reset soft tissues and open up a structure. Both of these tasks require a lot more power to get the instruments in place as they can range in size from 2–13 mm in diameter and stretch over half a meter long.
Additionally, it’s very slippery inside the human body. Organs are covered in soft biological tissue. When coupled with the complex navigation required, it’s easy to see why a stronger more capable noninvasive alternative is preferred versus the current method of using small cameras and a manual professional to guide the treatments into place.
TrainBots Could Change this Scenario
The concept of a TrainBot, a mini robot with the capability to link with other devices could be the answer according to a recent study. These purpose-built micro-robotics were designed to navigate the distances of the human body precisely and with minimal effort. As part of this strategy, DKFZ researchers significantly improved the current nanorobotics standards.
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Source – DKFX TrainBots Study
TrainBots Get New Feet
One of the biggest upgrades to the mini robot platform is improved gripping. The researchers realized that one of the main issues is a lack of gripping force which can lead to small robotics slipping, resulting in excess energy requirements for minimal movement. To improve this issue, the team added spiked appendages.
These protruding nodes help distribute contact across the surface of body appendages. Additionally, the design and angle of each foot were optimized to improve driving and actuating forces, enabling TrainBots to move more efficiently and with less effort.
Wireless Control for TrainBots
Another vital aspect of the research is the control system. The tiny robots leverage a permanent magnetic set-up which enables them to be wirelessly controlled by healthcare professionals. Specifically, a rotating magnetic field enables TrainBots to link up and move in unison, improving driving force significantly, and allowing surgeons to control vital aspects such as speed and rotation.
Connected
The coolest aspect of these tiny machines is their ability to link and connect to form a larger robot with more power. These devices can work together to provide valuable services when needed. For example, several individual robots can be linked to create enough power to transport an endoscopic instrument. The convoy provides the necessary actuating force to enable healthcare professionals to leverage it for precise surgical procedures.
Testing TrainBots
Testing for the TrainBot concept included a simulated surgical procedure. The process used pig organs, which operate in an environment similar to the human body. The pig organ showed signs of bile duct blockage which is a common disease in humans.
Using TrainBots to Reduce Risks of Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct obstructions occur over time in affected individuals which can lead to bile buildup and serious diseases including cancer. The current method of treating this common ailment is for healthcare professionals to insert a camera in your mouth and navigate it manually through the small intestine to determine the blockage site.
Using TrainBots, researchers were able to remove the blockage with minimal effort. The process began by connecting three TrainBots to generate enough pulling power to drag a 25 cm long wire electrode through the pig’s small intestine. Notably, the tube was 3.5x the weight of the Trainbots.
TrainBots Results
The trainBots successfully delivered their cargo in place. Once the tip of the wire was properly located next to the bile buildup, the researchers applied a small electrical charge to break down the blockage and free the intestinal pathway. This process is called electrocauterization and it’s just one of many procedures that TrainBots are designed to improve.
Benefits Trainbots Bring to the Market
The concept of tiny robots that can help healthcare workers complete complex procedures with more precision has many in the industry celebrating. There are millions of people yearly that require experts to relieve obstructions and open a tunnel for fluid drainage and drug delivery. All of these processes will become more affordable, safer, and accessible thanks to these breakthroughs.
Spikes – a Good Addition
The test results showed that the improved robotic legs boosted performance by 3x and helped the devices more efficiently navigate tiny and restrictive channels. This study demonstrates why TrainBots could be the ideal solution for intestinal and other ailments that require healthcare experts to maneuver instruments through the body before use.
Easier to Complete Complex Surgeries
The main benefit is that TrainBots will make many complex procedures much easier, reducing the risk of patient injury. These drives offer a reliable way to improve endoscopic microsurgery without elevating risk factors for patients or costs. The devices are capable of transporting long and delicate loads through maze-like environments with efficiency.
More Trackability
Robotic systems provide better trackability with real-time information and history available at a glance. These devices aren’t going to get tired from conducting too many procedures or make human errors because they are worried about other daily tasks. As such, they provide a glimpse into a more accurate and effective healthcare system for the future.
Real-World Applications for Trainbots
There are endless applications for these tiny devices. Having accurate and effective ways to reduce the need to conduct invasive surgeries is a major bonus. However, TrainBots aren’t limited to targeted drug applications, sensing tasks, or surgical procedures. These devices could one day operate across industries where they could help to maintain hard-to-reach pipelines and other vital infrastructure.
Researchers
Researchers led by Tian Qiu and Moonkwang Jeong, from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) spearheaded the project and testing. Their goal was to delve deep into the benefits of using TrainBots for endoscopic surgical procedures. Following their excellent results, the team seeks to expand their study into other medical procedures with the hopes of improving patient lives one day.
Company Leading in the Robotics Field
Several firms have made healthcare robotics their primary offerings. These companies see the benefits that these devices bring and how they can create a safer and more cost-effective healthcare system for all. Currently, the use of robotics in healthcare is skyrocketing. Here is one firm that has helped to improve the adoption of these next-gen technologies and is positioned to see further success.
1. Intuitive Surgical
Intuitive Surgical has been a major contender in the medical robotics field since its launch in 1995 and is headquartered in California. In 2000, the company introduced its first major product, the da Vinci surgical assistant. This robot helps improve precision during surgical procedures and has helped reduce recovery and injuries for users. As such, it’s one of the most popular options in use by surgeons today.
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG +1.8%)
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG +1.8%)
Intuitive Surgical has a market cap of +$115.8B and analysts predict future growth thanks to the company’s unique business model. Notably, every one of these surgical assistance devices requires ongoing support services, sales, and more, adding to the company’s growing revenue yearly. For now, ISRG is a strong stock that has excellent growth potential alongside the healthcare robotics market.
How Long Until Full Robotic Surgeons?
When you delve into the details of this study, it’s easy to envision a day when you go into a hospital, sit in a chair, and robots handle all of your needs. While this future is still far off, the use of robotics in healthcare is on the rise, and its benefits are undeniable. As such, it’s wise to position your portfolio accordingly.
Learn About Other Cool Robotics Here.