Untethered millirobot system for minimally invasive and localized drug delivery in ear disease treatment

Middle and inner ear diseases affect millions worldwide and are a major health concern inHong Kong. Conventional drug administration faces physiological barriers, reducing efficacyand causing side effects, while topical treatments require puncturing the tympanic membraneunder anesthesia, which is invasive and traumatic. To address this, we propose a shapemorphingmillirobot for minimally invasive drug delivery to the middle and inner ear. Themillirobot is introduced via a soft catheter through the Eustachian tube. Upon reaching thetympanic cavity, it unfolds its origami-inspired sheath to anchor in place and releases liquidcargoes from its internal chamber. After delivering the treatment, the millirobot retracts andexits under magnetic guidance.This research addresses a critical healthcare need by enabling localized drug delivery withminimal invasiveness. The project focuses on proof-of-concept development and validationwithin a transparent human ear model. While limited in scope, it lays the foundation forfuture clinical studies. Beyond its scientific significance in miniature robotics, this innovationhas the potential to transform ear disease treatment, improving patient outcomes andadvancing robotic healthcare solutions.