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The Future of Everything

The future of robotic surgery

Jan 10, 2025
Renee Zhao, a Stanford mechanical engineering professor, is at the forefront of robotic surgery with her innovative millibots. These magnet-controlled, millimeter-scale soft robots aim to navigate the bloodstream for medical repairs like removing clots and treating brain aneurysms. Zhao discusses the exciting potential of soft robotics, drawing inspiration from octopuses, and the challenges of miniaturization. She also highlights the balance needed between design and functionality to revolutionize healthcare through advanced surgical techniques.
33:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The development of millibots offers a minimally invasive approach to treating conditions like blood clots, utilizing soft robotics inspired by nature.
  • AI and miniaturization are essential for optimizing robotic surgery, enabling autonomous procedures and enhancing the design for complex medical applications.

Deep dives

Introducing the Q&A Segment

A new Q&A segment is introduced, inviting listeners to submit questions for future episodes. Questions can be sent in writing or as voice memos, encouraging engagement from the audience. The intention is to create a dialogue around the motivations and research being conducted across various fields at Stanford University. This interaction aims to foster a greater understanding of cutting-edge work that shapes a better future.

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