Wireless RF Localization and Communication of Micro-Robots inside the Human Body

Research Project, 2015 – 2018

Micro-robots that are able to navigate inside human body are gaining momentum as a prominent solution for monitoring medical abnormalities and performing minimally-invasive surgeries. Wireless video capsule endoscopy is a successful sample which has been in use for clinical procedures for 14 years. Such capsules travel inside the human digestive system and surgeons can receive clear pictures of abnormalities in the Gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract. However, with the current technology they do not have a clear idea of exactly where these problems are and they need invasive (exploratory) or expensive procedures to pinpoint the actual location. With the results of this proposed research project, not only can doctors find abnormalities, but they can also locate where the abnormalities are in the G.I. tract. Furthermore, the next generation of wireless endoscopy capsules is desired that can participate in drug delivery and surgeries at specific locations. Control of these devices requires low-delay wireless communication between the robots inside the body and the control unit outside the body. This project also aims for the development of communication techniques for these scenarios.
The main objective of this project is to develop ‘comprehensive model’ for RF signal propagation inside the body and to propose solutions for ‘accurate localization’ and ‘low-delay reliable communication’ of micro-robotics travelling inside the non-homogeneous human body. The proposed solutions will be evaluated based on numerical simulations using existing software packages, and also based on measurements on the Phantom of human body, and collected medical data.
The project will have several broad impacts in the advancement of science and technology including the ones in the following.
• Gastric cancer, a type of G.I. disease, is the second-highest cause of cancer death globally. The early detection of the G.I. disorders in early stages of the development of diseases can simplify the treatment of the associated diseases and save people's life. Wireless capsule endoscopy is considered as one of the most effective techniques for noninvasive detection of these disorders. The research on this technology which is still in its infancy stages would benefit public health both nationally and internationally.
• The global wireless capsule endoscope systems market was worth $186.9m in 2010 and is expected to reach $323.6m in 2017. Increased adoption of capsule endoscopy, along with advancements in technology are set to drive the global capsule endoscope systems market. This project can transfer the knowledge and expertise in this area acquired through close collaborations with leading research groups on this topic to Swedish biotech industry.

This project will be carried out in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at Harvard University, USA, and the Department of Signals and Systems, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.