Kusatsu, Japan, March 8, 2007—Researchers from Japan's Ritsumeikan University have unveiled what may be the surgeon of the future: a tiny medical robot just 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, 0.8 inch (2 centimeters) in length, and 0.2 ounce (5 grams) in weight.

The scientists say the robot, which can use various medical attachments such as cameras, manipulators, sensors, and injectors, can roam inside the body to scan for or treat many diseases, especially cancers.

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