Robotic Small Intestine to Advance Research and Medical Training

University of Colorado Boulder professor and students with an oversized version of a synthetic colon created as a senior design project. (Photo by Patrick Campbell)

Study in a Sentence: Using a new stretchable, rubber-like material lined with sensors and electronic circuits, engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder are working on creating a robotic small intestine capable of mimicking the automatic peristaltic or wave-like muscle movements inside. 

Healthy for Humans: This artificial small intestine can allow scientists test new treatments or screen devices for the detection of intestinal diseases. It can also be used to train doctors in medical procedures involving the small intestine, such as colonoscopies. 

Redefining Research: This robotic device can replicate the human organ more precisely both in size and function and help reduce testing in animals.