Robot Invented To Crawl Through Veins

Slatterz writes "Scientists from Israel's Technion University have unveiled a tiny robot, made using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, purportedly able to crawl through a person's veins in order to diagnose and potentially treat artery blockage and cancer. The little robot — with a diameter of just one millimeter — has neither engine nor onboard controls, instead being propelled forward by a magnetic field wielded on it from outside the patient's body."

Comments

Definition Of A Robot

[nick_davison]

has neither engine nor onboard controls

Doesn't a robot traditionally have to have some form of self controlled motion? From the description, this is just a human etch-a-sketch.

For what it's worth, I've also created the robotic sport of the future. It consists of a round, air filled bladder. This robot has no motor control of its own but it can be moved by applying forces with your foot. I intend to patent this and make a fortune. No one will play regular soccer once they can play robo-soccer.

somewhat better story links

[denttford]

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/875277.html http://t3.technion.ac.il/more_details.php?id=76

Re:Robotic aneurysm

[Nutria]

Fantastic Voyage

Who could forget Raquel Welch???

Both of them.

They were both very beautiful.

oh what fun

[Jafafa Hots]

They do something wrong with the magnetic field for a second, lose track of it, it gets carried to your brain and you stroke.

Not realistic? Well, when you've had a catheter yanked out of you without having had the balloon deflated first like I once did because the nurse fucked up, you'll learn to expect these things. A golf-ball sized object pulled through your urethra tends to leave a memory.

Re:oh what fun

[Jafafa Hots]

lemme tell ya, I wasn't the same for a few weeks. She grabbed my dick in one hand, tried to pull the tube and when it wouldn't come, she wrapped the tube around her wrist and pulled harder.