Tiny remote-control caterpillar robot will deliver medicine inside human body

A TINY super-strong robot with “caterpillar” legs could deliver drugs inside the human body.

The 0.15mm-wide device, made using a silicon material and operated by remote control, has hundreds of 0.65mm legs.

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Laboratory tests by the City University of Hong Kong showed the design has 40 times less friction than a limbless robot.

Study leader Assistant Prof Shen Yajing said: “It is extremely suitable for delivering a drug to a de- signated spot or carrying out medical inspection.”

Lab tests showed that it was capable of carrying a load 100 times heavier than itself, a strength comparable to an ant, one of the strongest creatures in nature, or to a human being able to "easily" lift a 26-seated mini-bus.

Dr Shen said: "The amazingly strong carrying capability, efficient locomotion and good obstacle-crossing ability make this milli-robot extremely suitable for applications in a harsh environment, for example delivering a drug to a designated spot through the digestive system, or carrying out medical inspection."

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Before conducting further tests in animals and eventually in humans, the research teams are further developing and refining their research in three aspects, namely finding a biodegradable material, studying new shapes, and adding extra features.

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