Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed innovative soft robots equipped with digital skins and synthetic muscles, enabling them to perceive their surroundings and adjust their actions in real-time.
Researchers, backed by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, have developed robots that mimic the symbiotic relationship between muscles and skin found in animals, rendering them more efficient and secure for use within the human body. Developed from a flexible foundation, the e-skin combines multiple sensing components, including silver nanowires and conductive polymers, mimicking the sophisticated sensing abilities of natural human skin.
According to Lin Zhang, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences at the University of North Carolina, these soft robots are capable of executing a diverse set of precisely controlled actions, including bending, stretching, and twisting within biological environments. Engineered to engage with delicate tissue structures with precision and care, these devices minimize stress and the risk of harm. Inspired by the organic forms of starfish and seedpods, they will reimagine their structures to execute novel functions with unparalleled efficacy.
These innovative options enable highly sensitive robots to become remarkably adaptable and exceptionally useful in advancing medical diagnostics and treatments. Micro-robots will adapt their form to optimize functioning in specific organs, enabling enhanced sensing and treatment capabilities; they can continuously monitor internal conditions, such as bladder volume and blood pressure; provide personalized therapies, like electrical stimulation, based on real-time data; and may be designed for swallowing, allowing for observation and management of abdominal circumstances.
A novel, swallowable robot called the theragripper can reside in the abdominal cavity, continuously monitoring pH levels and releasing medication over an extended period, thereby improving treatment outcomes for gastrointestinal disorders. The theragripper may also gently attach to a beating coronary artery, continually monitoring electrophysiological activity, measuring cardiac contraction force, and providing controlled electrical stimulation to regulate cardiac rhythm.
A novel robotic gripper has been developed to encircle the human bladder, enabling accurate measurement of its volume and administering targeted electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms of overactive bladder, thereby optimizing patient care and treatment outcomes. A novel robotic cuff designed to twist around a blood vessel enables real-time measurement of blood pressure with unparalleled precision, offering a non-invasive and accurate monitoring solution.
According to Zhang, assessments on mice have conclusively proven the theragripper’s ability to execute these functions effectively, thereby highlighting its promise as a cutting-edge cardiac implant.
Researchers from the Bai Lab jointly conducted an examination with UNC-Chapel Hill, partnering with various departments including Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, as well as the Joint Division of Biomedical Engineering and McAllister Heart Institute, North Carolina State University, and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University.
The researchers’ achievement in developing animal-like robots implies a bright outlook for their potential application in real-world medical settings, potentially transforming the treatment of chronic conditions and enhancing patient results.
“This groundbreaking approach to robotic design not only expands the possibilities of medical devices but also showcases the potential for innovative advancements at the intersection of soft, implantable robots and organic tissues,” said Wubin Bai, principal investigator of the study and Carolina assistant professor. Can we achieve sustained compatibility and durability in living tissues?
