Technology Overview
Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Serpentine Robot.
To overcome the limitations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatments, ITRI has advanced Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) technology and developed the Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Serpentine Robot, which can reach over 90% of the lungs and perform precise, incision-free treatment. This technology offers patients new treatment options while reducing recovery time and risks of surgical complications. The robot features a one-piece flexible tube with a minimum diameter of 2.9 mm and 210° omnidirectional movement, allowing it to navigate complex lung structures with high flexibility and provide treatment from all angles. Moreover, its AI image-assisted guidance and preoperative planning help doctors precisely locate lesions, enabling automatic navigation and human-machine collaboration.
Applications & Benefits
The technology has demonstrated its efficacy through preclinical animal testing and was honored with an R&D 100 Award in 2024.