Cinically-relevant control of microrobotic agents

In recent years, surgical robotic tools have been introduced in the medical and environment, leading to a significant decrease in the invasiveness of most surgical procedures. Starting from robotic manipulators, these tools have evolved in a plethora of devices, ranging from robotic endoscopes to steerable needles and catheters. In this doctoral thesis, we investigate an alternative approach to robotic surgery: the development of microscopic and unethered robots capable of navigating the human vascular network and performing surgeries in hard-to-reach areas. In particular, we look at the advantages and limitations of microrobotics, proposing novel solutions to some of the main challenges in the field.