| [ Summary ] |
The application of robotic technology to flexible endoscopy was triggered by the NOTES movement in mid 2000s. Since then, flexible multitasking platforms have developed further, with their potential target shifted from NOTES to endoluminal surgery, e. g., ESD. It is technically challenging to manipulate a thin, long, and flexible robot that truly enables tissue triangulation inside narrow, hollow organs. However, close industry‒academia‒government collaboration, with the participation of endoscopists and surgeons, has resulted in significant achievements. |