Deployment and clearance of microrobots for localized therapy: past, present and future

Abstract Microrobots hold great promise for active and localized therapy by enabling precise navigation and intervention in areas inaccessible to conventional medical devices. However, clinical translation remains hindered by challenges such as navigating complex environments, achieving precise control under dynamic physiological conditions, and ensuring safe post-therapy clearance. This minireview encompasses recent advancements, including biohybrid microrobots that merge synthetic and biological components to improve biocompatibility and functionality, and catheter-assisted systems that integrate conventional medical tools with robotics for enhanced precision and adaptability. It also discusses strategies to tackle key challenges, such as propulsion mechanisms, closed-loop control, biodegradable designs, focused at improving safety, reliability, and clinical applicability. By compiling these developments, this work outlines a roadmap toward autonomous, multi-functional microrobotic systems capable of navigating complex physiological environments and delivering targeted therapies with minimal invasiveness.