Tiny Diagnostic Robot Tank Explores the Colon

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is where the final stages of digestion happen. Here, water, salts, and remaining nutrients from ingested food are absorbed. Due to its susceptibility to a range of conditions, cancer, inflammatory disease, polyps, and infections, for instance, physicians have to perform routine procedures known as colonoscopies to catch potential problems early.

A new device is revolutionizing the way colonoscopies are performed. Tank-like robots, around the size of a C battery, can explore the internal structure of the colon, under the control of a physician. The Endoculus was designed to traverse the intricate and slippery internal structure of the colon with ease using four sets of treads (similar to those on a military tank). It also features air pumps to inflate the colon, water pumps to clear away digesting food and LED lights for recording clear photographs and video. They even have in-built biopsy snares, which enables the device to snip off and collect tissue biopsies for later analysis.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, a disease that typically affects older individuals. It begins with the development of small clumps of cells on the internal lining of the colon, known as polyps. Some of these tissue protrusions can go on to become…