Review of Gastrointestinal Capsule Robots: Materials, Actuation, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Abstract

This review examines gastrointestinal capsule robots from a systems engineering perspective, connecting material selection and fabrication with actuation, localization, diagnosis, and therapy. It surveys rigid, soft, biodegradable, and responsive shells; passive and actively controlled locomotion; and approaches to sampling, sensing, imaging, and targeted treatment. The review also considers clinical translation and commercialization, identifying limitations in energy supply, navigation, actuation, and system integration. These challenges frame future development of capsule robots for autonomous navigation, multimodal diagnosis, and precision therapy within the gastrointestinal tract.

Yiliang Lin

Assistant Professor in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

My research interests include soft matter engineering, wearable electronics, biointerfaces and living materials.