Microrobot configured to move in a viscous material

Abstract

A microrobot configured to move in a viscous material, in particular in an organ of a subject such as a brain, the microrobot having a propulsion structure including a head portion, a rear portion and a deformable portion connecting the head portion and the rear portion. The deformable portion is deformable in elongation / contraction along a main axis connecting the head portion and the rear portion. The head portion includes at its surface at least one propulsion cilium, one end of the at least one propulsion cilium being attached to the head portion and the other end of the at least one propulsion cilium being a free end configured to move freely in the viscous material. The propulsion structure further comprises a motor configured to actuate sequentially elongation / contraction cycles of the deformable portion.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a microrobot configured to move in a viscous material, in particular in an organ of a subject such as a brain. Such a microrobot may be used to perform various biomedical operations, such as minimally invasive surgery, accurately targeted therapy, etc.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]The ability to reach deep and functional structures without damage is a major challenge in mini-invasive surgery, especially in neurosurgery. Thanks to microtechnologies, it becomes possible to send a fully autonomous microrobot inside an organ of a subject, such as a brain. However, the propulsion of a microrobot in an environment at low Reynolds number, as is the brain, is a challenge because of absence of inertia and presence of relatively high drag forces due to the small size of the microrobot. Another important requirement is that the microrobot should be capable of moving in an organ while limiting as much as possible the physiological damage t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a microrobot that can move within fluidic materials at low Reynolds number. The microrobot has deformable portions that can be actuated to cause non-reciprocal motion. The path of the microrobot's propulsion cilium changes when the deformable portion is actuated, allowing for effective locomotion. The front and rear portions of the microrobot can also have propulsion cilia to improve penetration into viscous materials. The deformable portion is made of a bellows member with a specific thickness variation that enhances stability and efficiency of deformation. The technical effects of the patent are improved locomotion and better penetration of the microrobot into viscous materials.

Problems solved by technology

The ability to reach deep and functional structures without damage is a major challenge in mini-invasive surgery, especially in neurosurgery.

However, the propulsion of a microrobot in an environment at low Reynolds number, as is the brain, is a challenge because of absence of inertia and presence of relatively high drag forces due to the small size of the microrobot.

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