Through this design, they’ve attached tiny, movable支架 to screws that can be controlled independently. Philips physicist Jürgen Rahmer explains that these robots can perform intricate procedures inside the human body—without relying on batteries or motors.
　　In fact, over the past decade, scientists have demonstrated that magnetic forces can be used to control medical devices implanted in the human body—for example, using magnetic fields to guide cardiac catheters or maneuvering tiny cameras through the intestines.
　　However, how to individually control specific devices within a group of micro-devices—and make them move at particular speeds and in precise directions—remains a significant challenge. This is because, when placed in the same magnetic field, identical devices tend to exhibit exactly the same behavior.
　　Today, Philips scientists have proposed a solution that allows for the individual manipulation of a group of magnetic devices, enabling each device to perform a specific task on its own. Researchers can use a powerful magnetic field to precisely control each tiny robot. They leverage the strong magnetic forces to securely position every minuscule screw in place—yet, crucially, the scientists leave some room within the magnetic field, allowing the fixed screws to rotate freely inside it.
　　Through this design, they’ve attached tiny, movable支架 to screws that can be controlled independently. Philips physicist Jürgen Rahmer explains that these robots can perform intricate procedures inside the human body—without requiring batteries or motors.
　　According to reports, they have already built hundreds of these robots, each of which can be controlled independently. So far, magnetic screws have been tested in LEGO robots. As shown in the image above, thanks to the tiny magnetic screws, these adorable little LEGO robots can move their limbs with remarkable flexibility. Scientists believe that these robots could one day assist humans in fighting cancer.
　　They suggest that these robots could be concealed inside tiny pills, which would then be injected directly into the bloodstream. The pills are made from metallic materials that prevent radiation from leaking, allowing them to safely traverse the body until they reach the tumor cells.
　　Afterward, doctors will manipulate the robotic swarm to open these pills, releasing the medication that targets and kills tumor cells. Specifically, they can use a magnetic field to control tiny screws embedded in the capsules, carefully unlocking them—ensuring that the radioactive drug inside acts solely on cancer cells without harming healthy ones, thereby minimizing side effects.
　　After the tumor is destroyed, scientists will use magnetic forces to deactivate these robots. Researchers note that this technology could also be applied to create medical implants that change over time. For instance, once a patient has fully recovered, doctors could use a magnetic field to reshape the implant, allowing it to better fit the patient’s body.
　　According to Rahmer, they plan to develop small magnetic field emitters in the future, which will be used to control miniature magnetic robots. Additionally, they aim to employ imaging technologies such as X-ray emitters or ultrasound scanners to track the devices' positions inside the human body.
　　Perhaps one day, these robots could become allies to human immune cells. These adorable little robots could help them fight cancer cells, shielding our friends battling this disease from their worst nightmares—and guiding them toward a brighter, brand-new future.