Kuka: The robot for a colonoscopy

2020: The announcement of the robot for a colonoscopy from Kuka Robotics

In the middle of October, 2020 it became known that the Kuka company together with the University of Leeds in Great Britain developed a robotic system which can help the doctor or the nurse to execute a colonoscopy. A system uses magnets to adjust promotion the probe on intestines, and her developers claim that such approach is simpler for operators and is less painful for patients.

The colonoscopy is extremely necessary for detection of different pathologies, including a colorectal cancer. However it is not the most pleasant procedure, and some patients need anesthesia for its carrying out. One of researchers, Pietro Valdastri, noted that the technology of a colonoscopy remained rather invariable for many decades, and time to upgrade it, to make more managed and less painful for patients came. Valdastri considers that it is an important step on the way of increase in availability of a colonoscopy around the world, so, and to early detection of a colorectal cancer.

Kuka developed the robot for a colonoscopy

A new system consists of the small capsule connected to a cable. Researchers note that the capsule is entered into intestines much easier, than the equipment for a traditional colonoscopy. At the same time the external robotic manipulator noninvasively manages promotion of the capsule through a direct and thick gut using magnets.

To make the system of the most convenient, developers provided to users several levels of control. For example, a system allows to select desirable area of a thick gut for inspection in advance, and then instructs the robotic manipulator for automatic movement of the probe. However the user can retain completely control over the manipulator using the joystick and semiautonomous navigation at which the robot will direct the capsule, and the user if necessary will be able to cancel his actions manually.^[1]

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