Brain surgery could become safer and less invasive with rice-sized robot

A French startup named Robeauté has recently secured a substantial $29 million in funding to develop a groundbreaking neurosurgical microrobot that has the potential to revolutionize the way brain surgeries are performed. Imagine a device that is no larger than a grain of rice, yet has the capability to navigate the intricate pathways of the brain with precision and care. This tiny robot could significantly improve the safety and accuracy of surgeries for brain tumors and other neurological conditions.

The current challenges in brain surgery are significant. The tools available to surgeons are often rigid and limited in their movement, restricting the areas where they can operate safely. Many tumors or problematic regions in the brain are deemed too risky to access due to their proximity to critical functions such as movement or speech. Additionally, certain drugs are unable to reach certain parts of the brain due to the blood-brain barrier, limiting treatment options for patients.

Robeauté’s microrobot is designed to address these challenges effectively. Measuring just three millimeters in length, similar to the size of a grain of rice, this robot enters the brain through a minute incision that is only a millimeter wide. Unlike traditional tools, the microrobot can navigate curved paths and gently maneuver through brain tissue using rotating silicone rings at its tip. This innovative movement is inspired by the way tiny insects walk on water, utilizing adhesion forces that are dominant at such small scales.

Within the microrobot, there is a compartment that houses miniature surgical tools, such as a flexible needle and tiny forceps for performing biopsies. These tools allow surgeons to collect tissue samples with precision, which can be stored within the device or extracted through a connected cable. In addition to biopsies, the robot can implant electrodes for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or deliver drugs directly to tumors. It also features sensors that provide real-time feedback to surgeons, enabling them to monitor the procedure closely.

A key aspect of the microrobot’s functionality is its path planning. By utilizing MRI scans in combination with artificial intelligence, surgeons can map out safe routes that avoid sensitive areas of the brain. During surgery, the robot’s position can be adjusted in real-time using ultrasound imaging mounted on the skull, achieving sub-millimeter precision.

The microrobot has undergone successful preclinical trials, primarily on sheep, with promising results indicating its ability to navigate brain tissue safely. Robeauté plans to initiate human clinical trials in 2026, focusing on microbiopsies of brain tumors. The company also aims to expand into the U.S. market and secure FDA approval, with the goal of launching internationally by 2030.

The potential impact of this microrobot is substantial. It could enable earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment of brain tumors, reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery. Patients may experience faster recoveries and fewer side effects due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Additionally, the ability to collect live data from within the brain could accelerate research and drug development for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Robeauté’s microrobot represents a remarkable convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, biology, and medicine. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as regulatory approvals and scaling up manufacturing, this tiny device has the potential to transform previously “inoperable” brain tumors into treatable conditions. With robust funding and a growing portfolio of patents, Robeauté is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of neurosurgery.