Wireless technologies for robotic endoscope in gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

This paper introduces wireless technologies for use with robotic endoscopes in the gastrointestinal tract. The technologies include wireless power transmission (WPT), wireless remote control (WRC), and wireless image transmission (WIT). WPT, based on the electromagnetic coupling principle, powers active locomotion actuators and other peripherals in large air gaps. WRC, based on real-time bidirectional communication, has a multikernel frame in vivo to realize real-time multitasking. WIT provides a continuous dynamic image with a revolution of 320 × 240 pixel at 30 fps for in vitro diagnosis. To test these wireless technologies, three robotic endoscope prototypes were fabricated and equipped with the customized modules. The experimental results show that the wireless technologies have value for clinical applications.