Precision-Controlled Soft Robotic Capsules for Targeted Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment but often requires prolonged hospital visits, which are both inconvenient and costly. To address this, we propose a novel approach using soft robotic capsules that are magnetically actuated and remotely controlled to deliver chemotherapy drugs with high precision. These capsules, designed for implantation via catheter, enable on-demand drug release, reducing the need for continuous drug presence in the system. By tailoring the orifice diameter of the capsule to the viscosity of the drug, we can control the release time, ensuring that each drug is delivered at the optimal rate. Our model predicts the necessary orifice diameters for various chemotherapy agents to achieve specific release times, and experimental validation will refine these predictions. This innovation has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy while improving patient comfort, with broader applications across other medical treatments. Initial prototypes demonstrate successful remote control of the capsule up to a range of 2 meters.