We’ve all seen movies or read books that show futuristic technology, like mind control or magic healing. Sadly, doctors don’t have this technology, and can’t use it to heal people. Or can they? What would you think if I told you that tiny pill-sized robots can do precise surgery from inside your body? Well, as of October 2024, that idea has been made into reality.

The human body is an extremely complex machine, so it’s hard for doctors and scientists to address problems when they arise. People with cancer are often diagnosed very late, which could cause them to die. Elderly people and babies who need vitamin supplements may not be able to swallow properly, making it impossible to treat them. Removing tumors from delicate areas like the brain and chest is extremely difficult, especially for those who have other health conditions. All these issues could be solved by a couple pill-sized robots, called nanobots. 

According to IFL Science, tiny robots are already being used on animals to recognise and remove cancer cells: they can travel through your blood and treat areas as needed. This technology is now being adapted to human needs and conditions, with cameras so that they can be controlled on the outside by scientists. So far, medical drug distribution hasn’t been very precise, and has caused harmful side effects to patients. These tiny robots can inject micro-doses into specific veins or tissues, making surgery and treatment much more effective. 

Scientists at Harvard Medical School theorize that in the future, these robots may be used not just for treatment, but as permanent functions of our bodies to monitor our health. With these advances, chronic illnesses can be diagnosed earlier, saving countless lives. If the robots were used in the creation of medicines, then many viruses like the common cold or Covid 19 could be stopped from spreading as easily. There will always be a new health condition or virus popping up in the world, but hopefully with nanobots, we can make the world a safer place to live in. 

To conclude, we still have a ways to go before these robots can be used on humans as a common practice. There’s a lot to consider and learn, but we are definitely making progress in the medical world. Of course, this doesn’t mean we should stop using conventional methods like  hand washing and sanitizer! Hopefully, when the technology is fully developed, it will be used for the greater good- not for manipulation like in the movies! 

Work Cited

“Nanobots Will Be Flowing Through Your Body by 2030.” NanoApps Medical, 13 October 2024, https://www.nanoappsmedical.com/nanobots-will-be-flowing-through-your-body-by-2030/. Accessed 21 October 2024.