Researchers at the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee are developing a soft, magnetically controlled robotic device inspired by the human eye.
The innovative AI-powered device promises to enhance surgical precision and could even revolutionise lunar construction.
Shuai Li, associate professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering and lead investigator on the project, and the University of Tennessee’s Jindong Tan are developing technology to improve surgical outcomes, paving the way for more efficient and safer remote construction by mimicking the human eye.
Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation, Li and his team have developed a soft, magnetically driven, AI-powered, nature-inspired robotic device that operates much like the human eye. It blinks, uses tears to remove contaminants, and automatically moves to get the best view.
The robotic eye moves independently along the inner surface of the abdominal wall, allowing the surgeon to focus on the procedure at hand. In traditional laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon operates the camera, cleaning it as needed, and the surgical tools.
Li said: ‘When humans have sand in their eyes, we just blink, and the eyelid wipes away the sand with tears. So, we're trying to mimic how human eyes function, using robots with eyelid wipers and a passage-like nozzle. It’s soft and can also have an outflow nozzle that blows away the smoke generated during the surgery.’
‘AI can quickly detect contamination and then control the robot, the eyelid wiper, and the lens-cleaning process. So, at all times, the surgeon will have a clear view and can focus on the procedure.’
When it comes to lunar construction and civil engineering, the same concerns apply regarding limited visibility, debris, and safety.
Li said. ‘In lunar construction, if we are trying to build a habitat, it’s very different from Earth. There is a lot of debris and very fine dust on everything that will adhere to the camera lens. With this self-cleaning, software-powered robotic camera, we would probably be able to solve a big challenge for lunar construction.’
