Microbotics technology has been commonplace in science fiction since the film Fantastic Voyage debuted in 1966. In the more than 50 years since the film released, researchers across the world have been trying to develop practical microbots for healthcare applications.

Microbots are sub-millimeter, biocompatible robotic systems that can be guided in vivo using external forces (i.e. magnetic fields). Microbots can be formulated to dynamically respond to their surroundings, allowing for controlled payload release or particulate capture. Their small size and customization make microbots ideal for targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, localized sensing, and bioenvironment interactions.

To push this technology forward, Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is working with its academic partners, Southern Methodist University (SMU) and University of Vermont (UVM), to develop novel microbots for both healthcare and environmental remediation. ARA is working with SMU and the United States Army Medical Research Development Command (USAMRDC) to develop a microbot-based vitreous hemorrhage treatment strategy for wounded soldiers. Concurrently, ARA is also working with UVM and the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships to develop microbots for microplastics removal from drinking water. It is our vision that microbotics technologies will soon be used to better secure the health of the United States and beyond.

This presentation will discuss on-going research thrusts, ARA’s efforts to productize the technology, and where we envision the future of the technology is going.

Select topics include:

• Microrobotics in healthcare applications (USAMRDC)
• Microrobotics for microplastics removal (Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships).
• ARA’s microbot control system