Advances in implantable capsule robots for monitoring and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

The gastrointestinal tract is a crucial organ system that performs a series of important physiological functions, including the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients from ingested food. Digestive system diseases, including various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, are common and significant sources of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence of swallowable capsule robots offers a non-invasive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, reducing the risks associated with traditional endoscopy, imaging, and surgical procedures. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the design and classification of swallowable capsule robots, highlighting their advantages over conventional devices in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases. We focus on the latest developments in ingestible capsule robots, including those designed for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, capsule robots for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, and capsule robots capable of performing tissue biopsies and microbiological sampling from the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, we evaluate the technical challenges and future opportunities for the clinical application of ingestible capsule robotic devices, while providing recommendations for the functional design and material selection of next-generation swallowable capsule robots.