Early detection of bowel cancer with a magnetic capsule

Five talented robotics specialists were selected by an international jury for the finals of the Kuka innovation competition from among 30 applications from all over the world. For the first time, the focus was put on medical robotics and the topic of “Healthy Living”.

Report: Sonja Buske

Each of the finalists were provided with the sensitive Kuka lightweight robot LBR Med and a 3D vision system from Roboception for half a year. They were also coached by Kuka experts throughout the competition. At Medica 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the finalists presented their applications to thousands of visitors. The jury decided, that the robot platform from team RoboForce has the greatest market potential because it has an increase on the health of almost every person.

Everybody needs to get through a colonoscopy minimum once in a lifetime. The winner team found a solution to make this procedure more comfortable and safer for the patients
Rainer Bischoff

The researchers from the universities of Leeds, Vanderbilt and Turin developed a robot platform to detect bowel cancer in its early stages. For that, they use a magnetic capsule which navigates through the bowels thanks to magnetic coupling with an external magnet on an LBR Med. The LBR Med is the first robotic component worldwide to be certified for integration into a medical product. The new procedure has a reduced risk of perforation and pain as well as lower costs, compared to a colonoscopy. The platform also enhances safety and performance.

Dr. Rainer Bischoff, Vice President Corporate Research at Kuka, is proud of the variety and the high quality of all five final presentations: “Everybody needs to get through a colonoscopy minimum once in a lifetime. The winner team found a solution to make this procedure more comfortable and safer for the patients. This achievement is worth much more than a 20,000-euro prize.”

20.11.2019