Jan 20

Scientists develop piezoelectric motor for medical microbots

Posted in: Medicine, nanotechnology, Today's Chili

Researchers at Monash University in Australia have developed a piezoelectric motor that’s 0.25 mm wide, which they claim is 70% smaller than the smallest design out there. The Proteus motor, named after Fantastic Voyage’s microscopic vessel, uses an E. coli-like flagellum to swim through the bloodstream. The goal is to one day have it power microbots that’ll enter the body by injection to take photos, deliver medicine and eventually do surgery. According to lead scientist James Friend, escape would come from it returning to the point of entry or, should something break down, via a micro-catheter — no tear ducts necessary this time.

[Via Yahoo! Health]

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Scientists develop piezoelectric motor for medical microbots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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