%0 Journal Article
%T Preliminary study of an intestinal bio-robot system based on nerve stimulation
%A Zhu Lan
%A Liu Hongying
%A Wang Zhenyu
%A Pi Xitian
%J Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
%D 2012
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1743-0003-9-68
%X Background Wireless capsule endoscopes for diagnosis and treatment in the gastrointestinal tract face the common problem of active actuation. To tackle this difficulty, a non-invasive intestinal bio-robot system with active actuation based on nerve stimulation was developed. Methods This intestinal inspection system utilized a natural organism¡ªthe mud eel¡ªto serve as the locomotion mechanism, and it was controlled by a LabVIEW-programmed pulse generator. The exterior control unit was able to actively drive and remotely control the navigation and site-specific anchoring of the organism. Results Through in vitro stimulation experiments, a method of controlling the organism¡¯s forward motion was obtained: when the organism was stimulated at the tail, it moved forward at a relatively fast speed and with high repeatability. The stimulator parameters were as follows: amplitude 1.85 ¦ÌA, frequency 2 Hz, pulse duration 500 ¦Ìs. Conclusions Since this is a preliminary study, considerable work remains to be done. However, the results could provide a solid theoretical basis for further research toward producing a practical intestinal bio-robot for the diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
%K Intestinal bio-robot system
%K Intestinal examination
%K Nerve stimulation
%K Locomotion control
%U http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/9/1/68