Can a Swallowable Robot Replace Traditional Endoscopy?

Modern medicine has made it possible to image nearly every part of the human body—but doing so often requires intrusive procedures, specialized equipment, and clinical settings. Endiatx, a California-based medical technology company, is developing a different approach.

Their innovation, PillBot™, is a swallowable robot designed to swim through the stomach, offering live-streamed video to physicians without the need for endoscopic tubes or sedation. It’s a new class of diagnostic tool—one that fits in the palm of your hand.

What Is PillBot™?

PillBot™ is a motorized, ingestible capsule equipped with a camera and thrusters, designed to navigate the human stomach and transmit real-time video to physicians. Approximately the size of a multivitamin, it allows for remote-controlled endoscopic examinations without the need for sedation or invasive instruments. Patients swallow the device after fasting and consuming water, enabling it to maneuver within the stomach for up to 10 minutes, providing live video feeds to healthcare providers.

How It Works

The PillBot™ utilizes three pump-jet thrusters for navigation, controlled remotely via an internet-connected device. It transmits video at 480x480 resolution at 10 frames per second, allowing physicians to inspect the stomach lining in real time. After the procedure, the device is naturally excreted from the body—eliminating the need for retrieval or follow-up care related to the device itself.

Clinical Trials and Future Developments

Endiatx is conducting clinical trials, including a pivotal trial at Mayo Clinic, to assess the efficacy and safety of PillBot™. The company anticipates FDA clearance in 2025, with a commercial launch in the U.S. expected in early 2026. Future versions may incorporate AI-based autonomous navigation and diagnostic capabilities, which could enhance early detection of conditions like ulcers, gastritis, or stomach cancer.