Robeauté’s Micro-Robot Revolutionizes Brain Surgery with Precision and Safety
A groundbreaking innovation from the Paris-based startup Robeauté is set to transform the field of neurosurgery. The company has developed a micro-robot, no larger than a grain of rice, that can navigate the most delicate areas of the brain without damaging surrounding tissue. With human trials expected by 2026, the technology has already attracted nearly €28 million in funding to propel it onto the global stage.
Minimizing Risks in Neurosurgery
Robeauté designed its micro-robot to minimize brain damage during surgical procedures. To insert the device, surgeons need only a tiny incision, approximately 3 mm wide. Once inside, the robot follows a pre-programmed path, carefully guided by real-time tracking. In its initial applications, the micro-robot will assist in collecting biopsy samples. However, future advancements will enable it to deliver medication directly to specific areas of the brain or implant electrodes for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Years of Expertise Behind the Innovation
Founded in 2017 by Bertrand Dupla, a robotics expert with over 30 years of experience, and manager Joanna Cartocci, Robeauté combines cutting-edge science with a personal mission. Dupla’s pivot to medical robotics came after his mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His prior work focused on robots designed for extreme environments, such as ocean floors and radiation zones.
Creating this micro-robot required Robeauté’s team to overcome numerous challenges in electronics, robotics, and microfabrication. After five years of research and development, the company successfully tested the device on anatomical samples in 2021. Currently, live animal trials are underway, with human testing scheduled for 2026, pending FDA approval.
Driving Medical Progress Forward
Robeauté’s revolutionary technology demonstrates how innovation can save lives and improve patient outcomes. By addressing long-standing limitations in brain surgery, this micro-robot represents a significant leap forward in precision medicine. As funding and support continue to grow, Robeauté is poised to reshape neurosurgery on a global scale.
