AUTHOR=Zhang Dandan , Gorochowski Thomas E. , Marucci Lucia , Lee Hyun-Taek , Gil Bruno , Li Bing , Hauert Sabine , Yeatman Eric 

TITLE=Advanced medical micro-robotics for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Robotics and AI

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/robotics-and-ai/articles/10.3389/frobt.2022.1086043

DOI=10.3389/frobt.2022.1086043

ISSN=2296-9144

ABSTRACT=<p>Recent technological advances in micro-robotics have demonstrated their immense potential for biomedical applications. Emerging micro-robots have versatile sensing systems, flexible locomotion and dexterous manipulation capabilities that can significantly contribute to the healthcare system. Despite the appreciated and tangible benefits of medical micro-robotics, many challenges still remain. Here, we review the major challenges, current trends and significant achievements for developing versatile and intelligent micro-robotics with a focus on applications in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We also consider some recent emerging micro-robotic technologies that employ synthetic biology to support a new generation of living micro-robots. We expect to inspire future development of micro-robots toward clinical translation by identifying the roadblocks that need to be overcome.</p>