Robot combined with swallowable camera could give docs a better look inside the small intestine

Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have devised a horse-sized pill robot designed navigate and relay images of the intestine. The 3-legged version can deploy it's legs to stay in place, or retract them to go with the flow. Adding 3 more legs on the other end will allow it to "inchworm" back to a previous position in the intestines to look at a troublesome spot.

"A number of problems remain to be solved. For instance, the small intestine is typically collapsed, so maneuvering through it might be difficult for a legged robot. And power already is limited for the capsule cameras; precious little additional power may be available for locomotion."

Though, the robot is attached to a 'swallowable' pill, when used for the Colon, it appears that the pill will be introduced through the anus. This would be far more pleasant than the current colonoscope.

Intestine Robot