Robotic pills represent an emerging class of ingestible drug-device platforms designed to address limitations associated with conventional oral drug delivery within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These systems aim to overcome challenges such as gastric degradation, variable intestinal transit, and limited bioavailability through site-specific release, controlled delivery mechanisms, and, in some designs, integrated sensing capabilities. Typical platforms incorporate a biocompatible capsule, internal power source, microelectronic circuitry, sensors, and actuation components. Recent innovations, including balloon-actuated microneedle capsules and mucus-clearing systems, have demonstrated the potential to enhance intestinal drug absorption, particularly for selected biologic therapeutics. The operational mechanism commonly involves enteric protection, environmental activation in the small intestine, and localized drug release. Reported advantages include targeted delivery, protection of labile compounds, improved absorption, reduced reliance on parenteral administration, and potential for physiological monitoring. However, most robotic pill technologies remain at early developmental stages, and significant challenges persist related to manufacturing complexity, cost, power supply, long-term biocompatibility, navigation control, and regulatory approval. Current clinical evidence is limited, and many reported outcomes are derived from preclinical or early-phase studies. Consequently, further large-scale clinical evaluation and long-term safety assessment are required to establish the therapeutic value and feasibility of these systems. This review summarizes recent advances, evaluates current limitations, and discusses translational considerations for the future development of robotic pills.
Suneja et al. (2026) studied this question.