Explore different organs of the human body using the most modern techniques is one of the pillars of modern medicine to prevent various diseases.
But there is no better way to do this than to look inside the larynx, the digestive tract, the stomach, intestines, vascular system, heart, liver and several other organs. With this aim, the engineer Alex Luebke, co-founder and engineer of startup Endiatx created PillBot™.
This invention is small an ingestible pill that allows doctors to observe the inside of the human body in real time, allowing the doctor to advance, return or direct the small robot to go to an observation point of interest, which may be a disease already developing in the body.
During a TED talk in Vancouver, Canada, Luebke swallowed this pill in front of an audience in an incredible demonstration of how it works. The robot was controlled remotely by a Mayo Clinic professor of medicine and co-founder of Pillbot, Vivek Kumbharias the new digestive camera broadcast live from Luebke’s esophagus and stomach.
Currently, examination of the digestive tract involves undergoing a procedure highly invasive he called endoscopyin which a camera at the end of a wire is inserted through the throat and into the stomach of a medicated patient.
But robotic pill, Developed in Hayward, California, Endiatx is designed to be the first motorized replacement for the procedure, without the need for prior medication or the ingestion of a special contrast liquid. Only drinking a lot of water before and during the procedure facilitates the progress of this mini robot, which can also move at the discretion of the doctor, who monitors its movement in the human body.
“Endiatx is a pioneering company in the field of medical technology. Our revolutionary solution Microrobotic pills put us at the forefront of a new era. Our flagship innovation, PillBot™, is a miniature robot designed to navigate the human stomach and provide unprecedented access for the diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal tract,” the company explains on its website.
He adds: “Our mission is to transform the field of healthcare using miniature robots throughout the human body. Our cutting-edge technology aims to improve patient outcomes and streamline clinical procedures. Our team of leading engineers, medical experts and visionary thinkers pushes the boundaries of what is possible. “We strive to develop technologies that not only meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy, but also save lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs.”
The PillBot works like a miniature submarine as it is piloted on the body using a wireless remote control after acquisition. And after completing its research task, it is eliminated from the human body naturally 6 to 24 hours after ingestion.
Robotic device He has 3 propellers that allow him to move like a drone inside his stomach. Is equipped cameras, sensors and wireless communication technologiesproviding live video to doctors.
These are the key components:
- Pump jet engines: has 3 motors that allow movement inside the body
- data transceiver– Facilitates real-time communication using secure wireless technology to remotely connect to a computer or smartphone
- Camera: a camera that transmits high definition video at 2.3 megapixels per secondprovides live video from inside the body
- GUIDED: powerful interior lighting for better visibility
- Lithium battery– Enables motorized scanning for up to 30 minutes
- Multi-layer flexible circuit– condenses electronic components into a small space
“We’ve always relied on basic surgical methods to explore the inside of the body. But with PillBot, we’re opening up new possibilities non-invasive medicine and democratizing access to accurate diagnoses,” explained Luebke.
For Dr. Kumbhari’s technology also makes medicine more efficient and allows people to receive care earlier in the course of illness.
“This robot is the latest step towards the goal of democratizing previously complex medicine. If procedure-based diagnostics can be moved from the hospital to the home, “then I think we will achieve that goal.”. The new environment would require fewer medical personnel and would not require anesthesia, making for a “safer and more convenient approach,” the expert said.
Engineer Alex Luebke said the microrobotic pill could be transformative for rural areas around the world where there is limited access to medical facilities.
“Especially in developing countries, there is no access to complex medical procedures. So having the technology to gather all that information and offer a solution, even in remote areas, is the way to do that,” said Luebke, who indicated that if Internet access isn’t immediately available, PillBot information can be transferred. later. With this, patient You don’t even have to go to the office. doctor for examination.
The experts assured it The device also uses artificial intelligence to provide an initial diagnosis and then the doctor will develop a treatment plan.
The micro-robotic pill is in the testing phase and will soon be submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, which the developers hope to have in 2025. The pill is expected to be widely available in 2026.
Kumbhari hopes the technology can be extended to the intestines, vascular system, heart, liver, brain and other parts of the body. Over time, he said, this will allow hospitals to stay to perform more urgent surgeries and medical care.
- AI scans the stomach autonomously within minutes
- All types of doctors can use it for screening.
- Analyzes the inside of the stomach and advises on medication, diet and health.
- Diagnosing Stomach Injury Using AI
- Create a large data set to improve the accuracy of artificial intelligence
