Page 18 - Spring 2024

or insulated wires to system components and pioneered a technique for treating liver tumours
sub-assemblies even where these have complex using magnet-guided microrobots embedded
three-dimensional shapes. The machine can also within an MRI device.
automatically attach electrical connectors to the
The biocompatible microrobots are crafted
wiring.
from magnetisable iron oxide nanoparticles and
The robot routes wires with conductors up to designed to deliver treatment to specific targeted
3mm in diameter, which is approximately 13 AWG. areas so as to minimise harm to surrounding
This means that each conductor can carry over healthy cells.
20 Amps, sufficient for powering motors, relays
or fans, in addition to low-level monitoring and Currently liver cancers, especially hepatocellular
control signals. carcinoma - a leading cause of cancer
deaths worldwide - are treated by transarterial
The robot used as a stand-alone machine or chemoembolisation , which requires specialised
integrated within a production line is noted to personnel and invasive procedures.
significantly cut the tact time for assembling an
With the new method an MRI-compatible
appliance control panel, which can be flat or
microrobot injector is used, capable of assembling
curved, rigid or flexible. With each wire individually
‘particle trains’ of the microrobots, which are easier
secured the panel may not require insulation,
to control and detect within the MRI. This precision
whilst the wires will be less prone to environmental
ensures both the correct direction of treatment
damage as they are securely positioned.
as well as the appropriate dosage, as each
Reference: Miles, S., Electronic Specifier, 1st. March microrobot carries a portion of the therapeutic
agent.
Introducing the Robotic Guide Dog Testing using an anatomical atlas of human
livers on patients previously treated with
The University of Glasgow, in collaboration with
chemoembolisation revealed that in over 95
industry partners and two prominent charities,
per cent of cases the tumour locations were
is pioneering the development of an AI-powered
compatible with the navigation algorithm.
four-legged robot designed to enhance the
mobility of visually impaired people. Next steps involve leveraging AI to optimise real-
time navigation and address challenges such as
Known as the RoboGuide project, it uses a
blood flow modelling and the impact of patient
sophisticated amalgamation of AI, robotics and
positioning on the journey of the microrobots
sensors in combination with advanced navigation
towards the tumour.
and mapping technologies, surpassing the
capabilities of traditional GPS and camera-based Reference: West,P., Electronic Specifier, 25th. February
systems, which are noted for their limitations in
indoor environments and in navigating around
obstacles.

An array of advanced sensors, including LiDAR
sensors and infrared, provide the robot with
a 360-degree view if its surroundings, whilst
sophisticated software interprets the sensor data
in real-time, learning optimal routes and making
split-second decisions to guide the user safely
through their environment.
The RoboGuide also incorporates large language
model technology, allowing it to understand and
respond to voice commands, aiding navigation
and facilitating interactive engagement.
Reference: Miles, S., ‘Robotic Guide Dogs: Pioneering Assistive
Technology’, Electronic Specifier, 21st. February

Treating Liver Cancer with Microrobots
Researchers at the Polytechnique Montreal
and the University of British Columbia, have

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