Inbizzy, Beijing – A breakthrough has emerged from a collaboration between Chinese researchers who successfully developed a miniature robot capable of monitoring physiological conditions and delivering drugs with high precision. The innovation is expected to pave the way for the advancement of precision medicine in the future.
A research team from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Hubei Province and the Chinese University of Hong Kong designed a magneto-ultrasonic robot measuring only 1.3 millimeters in diameter. Comparable to the size of a grain, the device can be wirelessly controlled to monitor and adjust various internal environmental parameters, including force, vibration, viscosity, and temperature. The study was published this week in the scientific journal Science Robotics.
Multifunctional Capabilities at the Microscale
Weighing just 4.6 milligrams, the robot can convert stimuli into ultrasonic signals. In animal model testing, it demonstrated the ability to manipulate delicate objects such as salmon eggs without causing damage.
Further trials showcased different versions of the robot. A thermometer variant accurately detected temperature changes in a pig model, while a capsule version successfully delivered liquid medication into the stomach of a live rabbit and monitored dosage levels in real time.
A New Path for Medical Applications
These experiments highlight the potential of smart micro-scale machines as practical tools in modern healthcare. By integrating sensing and control functions, the miniature robot could be applied in real-time physiological monitoring and highly accurate drug delivery in future clinical settings.
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