Innovative Seed-Sized Magnetic Robot Revolutionizes Surgical Procedures
Seed-sized magnetic robot switches between five surgical tools in under one second

Image: Interesting Engineering
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have created a seed-sized surgical robot that can switch between five functions in under a second. This device, measuring just 4.4 millimeters, aims to enhance minimally invasive surgeries by performing tasks like cutting tissue and drug delivery.
- 01The robot can perform five different medical tasks, including cutting, drug release, and tissue storage.
- 02It is made from soft materials like PDMS and Ecoflex, embedded with magnetic particles for functionality.
- 03The design allows for independent movement in different regions, overcoming limitations of existing mini robots.
- 04The robot has been tested on biological tissues, showing effectiveness in performing surgical tasks.
- 05Safety tests indicated over 99% of human skin cells remained viable after exposure to the robot's materials.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have developed a groundbreaking seed-sized surgical robot, measuring only 4.4 millimeters, capable of switching between five distinct functions in less than one second. This innovative device is controlled wirelessly using weak magnetic fields and can perform tasks such as cutting biological tissue, drug delivery, gripping and storing tissue samples, and generating heat. Associate Professor Lum Guo Zhan, who led the study, highlighted that unlike typical miniature magnetic robots that are limited to one or two functions, this robot can efficiently handle multiple tasks, enhancing its utility in minimally invasive surgeries. The robot's design incorporates soft silicone-based materials with embedded magnetic particles that respond to external magnetic fields, allowing for independent movement in different areas. Laboratory tests demonstrated its effectiveness on biological tissues, and safety assessments showed minimal toxicity to human skin cells. The research team is now exploring how to integrate this technology with medical imaging and artificial organ models to facilitate its practical application in clinical settings.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The development of this robot could significantly improve surgical procedures, making them less invasive and more efficient.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the potential of magnetic robots in surgery?
Connecting to poll...
More about Nanyang Technological University
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.






