University of Basel Researchers Unveil Advanced Modular Nanorobot for Diverse Applications
- Published
- Source
- Robohub.org
Researchers from the University of Basel have developed a modular nanorobot that is 150 times smaller than a human hair, showcasing significant functional flexibility. Unlike traditional nanorobots designed for specific tasks, this innovative system can adapt to various applications in medicine, industry, and environmental technology.
The modular nanorobot features a magnetic propulsion module and a payload capsule that transports therapeutic agents or enzymes. In laboratory tests, the nanorobots successfully targeted human cancer cells, producing an anticancer drug that reduced cell viability to 16 percent within 72 hours. This capability highlights the potential for localized drug delivery in cancer treatment.
Future developments may focus on enhancing the nanorobot's adaptability for non-medical applications, such as catalysis. The researchers have demonstrated that the propulsion module can be reused, and the payload capsules can be refilled and recombined, marking a significant advancement in multifunctional nanotechnology. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Researchers develop modular nanorobot
Robohub.org · University of BaselThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
Rights concerns? Contact [email protected] with the relevant URL and details. We will review the matter and take appropriate action where warranted.
More related news
- 1
- 2
- 3
-
4
RobotToday Weekly November 2 – 6, 2026 RobotToday · 3 days ago
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
-
9
RobotToday Weekly October 26 – 30, 2026 RobotToday · 1 week ago
- 10
- 11
- 12
Related Suppliers
Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society 深圳市人工智能与机器人研究院
Shenzhen and CUHK-Shenzhen research institute (est. 2019) building surgical, micro-nano, field and multi-robot systems and the AIRSEAI embodied-AI stack.
Nido Robotics
Spanish developer of compact underwater ROVs for inspection and maintenance of subsea assets in oil and gas, shipping, and aquaculture industries.
ATMOS Space Cargo GmbH
Lichtenau and Strasbourg based German-French aerospace company founded 2021; builds the reusable Phoenix capsule for returning cargo from low Earth orbit.
NEUROSPACE GmbH
Berlin startup (est. 2020) building HiveR, a modular CubeSat-standard teleoperated lunar rover; flew rover electronics on the TACHELES CubeSat on Artemis II.
Modal Motors
Detroit, Michigan maker founded 2024 of rare-earth-free transverse flux motors; its 130 g OR3627-900kV drone motor ships from Q4 2026.
Ideal Aerosmith
Grand Forks, North Dakota maker founded 1938 of flight motion simulators and rate tables, now building Troublemaker attack drones and a long-range USV.
Micro/Nano Robotics Lab, Chonnam National University
South Korean academic lab at Chonnam National University focused on biomedical micro/nanorobots for drug delivery, cancer therapy, and MRI-compatible surgery.
MagnebotiX AG
Swiss ETH Zurich spin-off founded 2014 developing electromagnetic manipulation systems including OctoMag and MFG-100 for contactless control of microrobots.
US Medical Innovations
FDA-registered US biomedical company pioneering AI robotic and cold plasma surgical systems for cancer treatment and electrosurgery.
Elekta AB
Swedish medical technology company founded in 1972, producing radiation therapy and radiosurgery systems including the Leksell Gamma Knife for cancer treatment.
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)
Italy's flagship public research foundation advancing robotics, AI, and neuroscience.
SCHNEEBERGER Inc.
US office of Swiss SCHNEEBERGER AG (est. 1923); manufactures MINIRAIL profile rail guides, integrated measuring systems, and ball screws for robotics.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.