# MIT robot demonstrates intestinal navigation and treatment tools in animals

_Published Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM EDT · Robotics, Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![MIT robot demonstrates intestinal navigation and treatment tools in animals — Primary](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/images/202610/MIT-IntestineRobot-A1-Press.jpg)

MIT researchers demonstrated a soft robot that travelled about six and a half feet through the small intestine in animal studies, while also testing its camera, drug sprayer and tissue clips. The study appears in Science Robotics.

Air-filled chambers bend and extend the robot, while balloons at its head and tail alternately anchor it. Patterned sleeves develop protruding needles as the balloons expand, providing traction against the intestinal lining. An operator guides the device through external controllers connected by a cable. The team is working to improve navigation.

## Sources

- [MIT News](https://news.mit.edu/2026/soft-robot-could-help-doctors-diagnose-treat-small-intestine-disorders-1028)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/iLjrC5644TAeBEnEqt068W
Published: 2026-10-28T21:30:36.285Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-28T18:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-29T00:06:56.118Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)