Self-propelling robot endoscope ‘could make bowel cancer screening comfortable’

Along with a camera, the robotic endoscope also comes with a probe that can sample and analyse tissue as well as a small surgical laser which can remove tumours

Self-propelling robotic endoscope (Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena/Imperial College London)

A soft robotic device that moves through the body like a worm could make bowel cancer screening much more comfortable by reducing pain and and discomfort, according to the scientists developing it.

Researchers at Imperial College London said they have created a new type endoscope that is soft, flexible, and capable of extending and curling on its own inside the body.