Can closed-loop control of the whole body of a soft magnetic catheter be used to ease pancreatic cannulation by minimising contact with lumen walls?

In this newly published journal article, we demonstrate shape control of a 50mm long by 1.8mm diameter magnetic catheter. The proposed modeling and control approach not only reduces contact with the environment during a procedure, but is also capable of adapting to different inserting positions and orientations, successfully clearing the duodenal papilla and successfully reaching […]

STORM Lab UK Announces Development of Miniature Rolling Robot for Virtual Biopsies

Researchers at the Science and Technologies Of Robotics in Medicine (STORM) Lab, based at the University of Leeds, have developed a small magnetic robot designed to perform non-invasive “virtual biopsies.” This technology has the potential to support earlier and more accurate detection of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract. The robot, detailed in a recent publication […]

Hybrid Tendon-Actuated and Soft Magnetic Robotic Platform for Pancreatic Applications

In our new paper, we highlight the advantages of a hybrid robotic platform that combines tendon-driven actuation for precise positioning and motion compensation with magnetic catheter actuation, enabling damage-free cannulation of the pancreatic duct. Additionally, we present a comprehensive evaluation of different magnetic profiles for performing the same cannulation, introducing the potential to utilise either […]

Turning Point: The Robotics Opportunity

Discover how STORM Lab is revolutionizing medical robotics through minimally invasive solutions. Read the full article here: Turning Point: The Robotics Opportunity  

Diving deep into the body with soft magnetic robots

Explore how Professor Pietro Valdastri’s vine-like magnetic robots are transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment by navigating the most difficult-to-reach areas of the human body. https://interestingengineering.com/podcast/lexicon/diving-deep-into-the-body-with-soft-magnetic-robots

BioRob 2024: Lifesaving Magnetic Surgical Robots – A Plenary by Pietro Valdastri

On September 3, 2024, BioRob2024 in Heidelberg, Germany, featured a plenary talk by Pietro Valdastri on “Lifesaving Magnetic Surgical Robots.” In front of an audience of around 800 attendees, Valdastri explored the cutting-edge potential of magnetically controlled surgical robots, showcasing how they can revolutionize minimally invasive procedures. This event was part of the 10th IEEE […]

Innovative Magnetic Steering Enhances Vine Robot Capabilities

We are pleased to present our ground-breaking research in the field of surgical robotics, recently accepted for publication in Soft Robotics. This work introduces an innovative method for the external steering of vine robots using magnetic actuation, marking a significant advancement in the capabilities of robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery. Our research addresses a […]

Breathing Compensation in Magnetic Robotic Bronchoscopy via Shape Forming

Is it possible to compensate for breathing motion while navigating a 2-mm soft magnetic catheter deep within the bronchial tree? In our new paper, we demonstrate that with a specific magnetization profile and the right magnetic field sequence, this is possible. This is another little step towards robotically reaching peripheral lung tumours to improve healthcare […]