Title : AI-supported autonomous ingestible micro-robotic endoscope with wired high-speed communication for total gastrointestinal exploration and therapy
Abstract:
Background and Aims: Artificial intelligence and robotic technologies are rapidly advancing; however, their integration into gastrointestinal endoscopy remains limited and has not yet fully met clinical demands. We are developing a novel ingestible micro-robotic endoscope capable of autonomous navigation and future therapeutic intervention throughout the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Materials and Methods: We developed a prototype ingestible micro motor–driven endoscope (diameter: 4 mm; length: 16 mm) connected to an ultrathin tether cable (diameter: 0.4 mm). The cable consists of optical fibers for ultra-high-speed broadband signal transmission and power supply lines. The proximal end of the cable is attached to a compact mouthpiece containing a cable roller, battery system, and optical-to-wireless signal converter. Real-time endoscopic images are transmitted to an external image analysis system, while drive-control commands are received from an extracorporeal controller.
Results: In a water-filled phantom model, the prototype achieved an average locomotion speed of 15 cm/min, requiring approximately 1 hour for complete GI exploration with positional changes. In colonic simulations, examination time and lesion-missing rates appeared to depend on bowel preparation quality. We are currently developing autonomous driving software based on real-time endoscopic image analysis. An early autonomous-driving prototype successfully reduced total GI examination time by approximately 10 minutes.
Discussion: High-speed broadband communication is essential for achieving fully autonomous endoscopic navigation with rapid responses to real-time video information. Conventional wireless transmission systems used in capsule endoscopy lack sufficient speed and stability for smooth robotic control. Once lesions are detected by the image-analysis system, the robotic endoscope may remain at the target site and deliver therapeutic devices through the tether cable, including drug injectors, clips, and coagulation systems currently under development.
Conclusion: Our prototype wired micro-robotic endoscope demonstrates the potential for a compact, ingestible, minimally invasive, mobile, and cost-effective platform for complete GI tract exploration. Future integration of advanced AI-supported autonomous control may substantially reduce physician burden during endoscopic diagnosis and pave the way toward fully robotic endoluminal therapy.
