The grant was awarded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
The researchers proposed a robotic platform that would allow endoscopists to manipulate the motion of a soft-tethered capsule for diagnosis and treatment in any part of the human colon. Motion control of capsule is based on magnetic coupling.
Vanderbilt gastroenterologists Keith L. Obstein, MD, and Richard M. Peek Jr., MD and biomedical engineering professor Robert L. Galloway, PhD, will serve as co-investigators.
Dr. Valdastri expects that the platform will cost less than $200,000, thus aiding the expansion of IBD surveillance programs.
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