Capsule endoscopes, which have been developed into three types – biopsy modules, drug injection module, and lesion marking modules – are all operated and controlled with external electromagnetic fields. (image: Robot Research Initiative)
GWANGJU, Nov. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Multi-functional capsule robots, which act as micro-medical robots, have been developed by a local research group.
The Robot Research Initiative (RRI) in Gwangju has developed three types of multi-function therapy capsules that can act as an endoscope, collect tissue for examination, and mark lesions.
Micro medical robots travel down the body through blood vessels or gastrointestinal tubes to diagnose and treat diseases.
The currently commercialized robot is a “capsule endoscope” that is used is colonoscopies and features a camera and a video storage device in a 2-centimeter pill capsule.
The 3rd generation capsule endoscopes developed by RRI are characterized by the addition of diagnosis functions and even treatment.
Each function is established as an individual module platform and each module can be exchanged within the body so that there is no other endoscopic procedure after diagnosis.
Capsule endoscopes, which have been developed into three types – biopsy modules, drug injection module, and lesion marking modules – are all operated and controlled with external electromagnetic fields.
“All medical devices aim to minimize human incision, and micro-medical robots are the ultimate solution,” said RRI Director Park Jong-oh.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
