Now, tiny swallowable robotic pill lets doctors see inside body

Developed by US-based medical innovator Endiatx, the PillBot is a remote-controlled (robotic) disposable endoscopy capsule, measuring just 13mm by 30mm, can be ingested by a patient, who does not have to be sedated to undergo endoscopy.

Hyderabad: It’s time to say goodbye to invasive endoscopy employed by doctors to view inside the patient’s stomach! A tiny digestible pill of the size of multivitamin tablet, when swallowed starts beaming live images of the patient’s stomach to the doctor. This is not a scene from some sci-fi movie but a cutting edge robotic capsule PillBot, which made its debut for the first time in India at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli on Thursday.

Developed by US-based medical innovator Endiatx, the PillBot is a remote-controlled (robotic) disposable endoscopy capsule, measuring just 13mm by 30mm, can be ingested by a patient, who does not have to be sedated to undergo endoscopy.

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On Thursday, AIG Hospitals collaborated with Endiatx to demonstrate the immense potential of the robotic pill live at its Gachibowli facility in the presence of Dr. Vivek Kumbhari, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, USA and Dr. Alex Luebke, Co-founder of Endiatx.

Equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and wireless capabilities, the device is designed to navigate the gastrointestinal tract and transmit real-time, high-resolution images directly to physicians. Unlike traditional endoscopy, PillBot offers a non-invasive, sedation-free alternative that enhances both patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy.

Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, said “This cutting-edge technology represents a monumental leap forward in the field of gastroenterology. PillBot combines precision with patient convenience, offering a glimpse into the future of diagnostic care”.

The top gastroenterologist in the country said that PillBot’s ability to provide high-resolution insights without the need for invasive procedures marks a pivotal moment in patient care. “By integrating robotics and AI, we are paving the way for more efficient, accurate, and patient-friendly diagnostic solutions that can potentially redefine GI care in India by not only saving lives but also making diagnosis cost-effective.”

The doctors at AIG Hospitals have also made it clear that at present, the PillBot technology is still undergoing clinical trials and has not yet received FDA approval and its use in India is currently restricted to research purposes.