Oct 4 2012
As Quantum International Corp. explores the potential of tiny nanobots to revolutionize medicine, new robotics breakthroughs could soon pave the way for a potential cure for cancer.
Scientists at the NanoRobotics Laboratory at Canada’s École Polytechnique de Montréal have discovered a way to wirelessly steer tiny robots and other objects through the blood vessels of living creatures using the magnetic coils in MRI machines. These microbots can travel deep inside the body, visiting places that catheters can’t go and performing tasks previously impossible without invasive surgery.
While the tech isn’t quite ready for human testing yet, one of the first medical applications for these microscopic machines could be treating cancers.
“Using robots to deliver cancer-killing medicine directly to a tumor deep within the body could forever change the treatment of the disease,” said Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz. “The market for such astonishing technology would obviously be enormous. Quantum is dedicated to bringing just such innovations out of the laboratory and into the global marketplace.”
In fact, Quantum is already working to leverage demand for powerful new medical technologies. The company is close to an agreement with Poland’s Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurement (PIAP) to assist in the commercialization of the Resuscitator, a portable device designed to ensure that chest compressions, the element of CPR most prone to human error, can be easily administered perfectly by amateurs and professionals alike.
Quantum is working to develop the next generation of robotics technology to compete in a booming global industry alongside Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NasdaqGS: ISRG), iRobot Corporation (NasdaqGS: IRBT) and Dover Corp. (NYSE: DOV).