OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000001736

Flexible power transmission for a robotic pull endoscope

Published: 2026-09-15T19:08:07.673501Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000001736
Categories: Robotics & Automation > Robot Architectures

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ABSTRACT

A self-propelled semi- or fully-autonomous robotic colonoscope device is
provided that includes multi-degrees of freedom movement and may be
sensor-enabled for colonoscopy procedures. The device may include a flexible
rotary shaft that transmits power to a distal tip device and ultimately
outputs locomotion at the distal tip with reduced complex maneuverability from
the physician. In one particular implementation, a flexible metal rotary shaft
may be utilized to deliver power from an off-board motor to the distal tip
device. The flexible rotary shaft may be included in a tether that connects
the rotary shaft from a handle to the distal tip device. The flexible shaft
may be selected to provide a particular torque, directional operation, minimum
bend radius, deflection, and speed. The flexible rotary shaft provides
transmission of rotary motion through bends and curves of the flexible tether
without sacrificing efficiency.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000001736
Published 2026-09-15T19:08:07.673501Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000001736