Meet PillBot, a tiny swallowable robot that is set to transform non-invasive endoscopy

The robot created by Endiatx comes with micro cameras, motors, and LEDs. It is controlled using a handheld game controller.

PillBot measures 13mm by 30mm and has been designed to be easily swallowed by patients. (Image: Endiatx)

Robotics has made monumental strides in medical science. Now, a groundbreaking innovation is entering clinical trials and headed for a commercial launch after review by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a tiny, swallowable robot called PillBot, designed to improve gastrointestinal examinations and internal health data collection.

Pillbot feels like something straight out of an episode from the sitcom ‘Rick and Morty’ where Rick shrinks Morty and injects him into a homeless man to save Anatomy Park. However, this seemingly science fiction concept will be a reality soon as Endiatx, a California-based medical technology company, is working towards bringing its robotic pills to the market.

What is Pillbot?

The PillBot is roughly about the size of a large vitamin pill. This ingestible robot comes embedded with tiny cameras, sensors, and wireless communication features. The device is reportedly capable of transmitting high-resolution video to devices used by doctors in real time.

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This is seen as a less-invasive endoscopy, over-the-counter option . As of now, the latest version of PillBot requires a doctor to manage its movements, but the company foresees AI-guided autonomous capabilities in the future. When it comes to safety, all of Pillbot’s components are packed in a bio-compatible shell, making it safe for patients to ingest it.

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It is not merely a pill camera, PillBot is a full-fledged robotic device and comes with its own propulsion system and LEDs. It has tiny micromotors and propellers that allow it to move through the gut with ease on the guidance of the doctor. The PillBot is controlled by doctors using a handheld game controller. It is powered by a tiny battery which provides enough juice for the PillBot to complete its mission and transmit data back to the doctor.

According to the company, the tiny robot is constantly working from the time it is swallowed to when it is expelled.

How does it work?

PillBot measures 13mm by 30mm and has been designed to be easily swallowed by patients. It navigates through the gastrointestinal tract and provides detailed imagery of the inner body. The device comes with a state-of-the-art camera system that is capable of capturing high-resolution video at 2.3 megapixels per second. The video feed is relayed wirelessly to a computer or mobile device in real time offering a live, in-depth view of a patient’s digestive system.

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Perhaps, the standout aspect of this robot is that unlike traditional endoscopy, it is non-invasive and easy to use. While conventional procedures require a visit to the hospital, the PillBot allows for such examinations to take place in the comfort of the patient’s home. This disruptive technology could potentially eliminate the need for costly hospital visits and make diagnostics convenient.

The development is significant as it could transform the healthcare space, especially in non-invasive diagnostics.

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Robotics