External Components

A localization system that leverages ceiling-mounted infrastructure will perform the triangulation to reduce complexity. Each Pediabot will send electromagnetic signals containing clock information to four receivers on the ceiling. The ceiling infrastructure will triangulate the Pediabot’s precise location based on the amount of time it takes for the signals to reach the receivers.

A microbattery in our Pediabots will be constantly recharged. The microbattery will accept multiple polarizations, allowing Pediabots to receive signals sent at different angles. We will use a phased array to amplify electromagnetic signals in a specific direction, thereby eliminating the need to manually manipulate physical components.

Our Pediabots will have a sensor array with physical (e.g., distance and pressure), chemical (e.g., pH), and biological sensors to analyze their environment. The biosensors in our Pediabots will be equipped with a bioreceptor (e.g., enzymes, aptamers, and antibodies) to detect an analyte (e.g., glucose) or biomarker (e.g., an antigen). Our Pediabots will use an LED light to help in the optical transduction step of our Pediabots. They will use optical sensors because they can be easily miniaturized and have high sensitivity when detecting fluorescence, which is commonly used to visualize the antibody-antigen interaction in Immunohistochemistry.

Our Pediabots will use actuators such as legs, forceps, and scalpels.

The legs will have microjoints to propel the microbot forward.
When performing incisions, the Pediabots will hold the tissue in place using forceps while cutting using the scalpel.
Our Pediabots will measure the forceps' applied force to avoid hurting the infant or fetus' fragile tissue by using a tactile force sensor. We will use data from the camera and pressure sensor before making an incision to apply the optimal pressure on a specific type of tissue.
To suture the wound after the surgery is complete, we chose for our Pediabots to use fibrin glue, a biodegradable adhesive that closes wounds and controls bleeding, stored in a releasing compartment.
Our Pediabots will use module ports to attach different tools including forceps, scalpels, clamps, and dilators for different types of surgeries.

Forceps

Scalpel

Fibrin Glue