MIT CSAIL's origami robot is packaged in an ingestible ice pill. In 2013, University of Sheffield roboticist Dana Damian was doing postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School affiliate Boston Children's Hospital when she learned of a procedure called the Foker technique. The surgery, performed on children with a rare congenital lung defect, calls for doctors to attach sutures to part of an infant's esophagus, then tie them off on the baby's back. Over time, the sutures lengthen the esophagus by pulling on it, stimulating tissue growth. Although the technique can be effective, the risk of infection and complication is high, and the baby must remain under sedation for weeks.

Scientists have created a robot that is implanted into the body to treat a rare birth defect which prevents food reaching a baby's stomach. Around one in 4,000 babies are born with oesophageal atresia in the USA and Europe - a serious condition which is fatal if not treated. It occurs when the upper and lower parts of the oesophagus don't connect, which means food can't pass from the throat to the stomach. Doctors currently treat the condition using the Foker technique, which involves pulling slightly on the broken ends of the oesophagus, to encourage them to grow towards each other. The robot is a small device which is attached to the oesophagus by two rings.

Some children are born with their oesophagus in two segments, so the tube doesn't connect to their stomach. A new robotic implant might help treat this serious condition, known as oesophageal atresia. The robot consists of two steel rings, some sensors and a motor, all sealed in a protective waterproof skin. The device is attached to the outside of one section of the oesophagus and gently elongates it by moving the rings apart. Once the organ is long enough, the two segments can be stitched together.

Some children are born with their oesophagus in two segments, so the tube doesn't connect to their stomach. A new robotic implant might help treat this serious condition, known as oesophageal atresia. The robot consists of two steel rings, some sensors and a motor, all sealed in a protective waterproof skin. The device is attached to the outside of one section of the oesophagus and gently elongates it by moving the rings apart. Once the organ is long enough, the two segments can be stitched together.