A ‘Magnetic Tentacle Robot’ Finds Path to the Lungs

Engineers have created a robot that’s able to reach the smallest bronchial tubes in the lungs. Just 2 millimeters in diameter, the “magnetic tentacle robot” takes sample tissue and delivers cancer therapy.

“A magnetic tentacle robot or catheter that measures 2 millimetres and whose shape can be magnetically controlled to conform to the bronchial tree anatomy can reach most areas of the lung, and would be an important clinical tool in the investigation and treatment of possible lung cancer and other lung diseases," said Professor Pietro Valdastri , Director of the STORM Lab.