MIT tests a soft robotic scope in the small intestine

What happened

Inflatable chambers bend and lengthen the tethered tube while alternating anchoring balloons help it inch forward. Kirigami-textured sleeves improve traction against the intestinal lining. The team demonstrated the camera, drug sprayer and tissue clips in animal tests. A human operator steers the device with an external controller; the researchers are still improving navigation.

Why it matters

The work tests a way to reach a difficult part of the digestive tract while carrying diagnostic and treatment tools. It remains an animal-tested prototype, not a clinically approved procedure or evidence of benefit for patients.

Source checked October 31, 2026. Status describes the evidence in the linked source at the time of review.