Microbots Enter Bloodstream, Perform Surgery

The stuff of science fiction is finally here – scientists from Monash University in Australia have developing microbot motors that can swim through the human bloodstream. Known as “Proteus”, this small piezoelectric motor measures a mere 250 micrometers – that’s roughly 2.5 times the width of a human hair. Imagine having such robots perform minimally invasive surgery in an effective manner without having to rely on the surgeon’s hand (at least directly). Even more amazingly is the Proteus being able to carry small cameras and sensor equipment so that it can gain access to certain sensitive body sections including a stroke-damaged artery in the brain which is beyond the reach of catheters.