Exploring bioinspired microrobotics for future medical frontiers: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Bioinspired microrobots, a rapidly advancing field at the intersection of biology, microengineering, and medicine, has gained momentum due to recent progress in microfabrication techniques, smart materials, and precision control systems. Microrobots, miniaturized machines typically less than a millimeter in size, are engineered to emulate natural organisms such as bacteria, spermatozoa, and insects, enabling them to navigate complex, viscous biological environments. These devices offer transformative potential for targeted drug delivery, in vivo diagnostics, microsurgery, and tissue manipulation, especially in regions inaccessible to conventional medical tools. Despite their promise, microrobots face significant challenges related to propulsion efficiency, biocompatibility, actuation, and real-time imaging within the human body. This review contributes a comprehensive synthesis of current research in the field, organizing into four key sections: (1) bioinspired locomotion strategies, (2) advanced fabrication techniques and material innovations, (3) external actuation and control methodologies, and (4) current and emerging clinical applications. In addition to reviewing recent breakthroughs, this work critically discusses the limitations of current designs and outlines practical considerations for clinical translation, and scalability. This article emphasizes cross-disciplinary integration and application-specific design, positioning it as a valuable resource for guiding future innovations in minimally invasive microrobotic systems for medicine.