This project develops a reusable, soft robotic colonic phantom that reproduces human-like peristalsis and water absorption,
providing an ethical, reproducible alternative to animal/cadaveric models. This represents a stepping stone for research in bowel
motility studies, medical devices development and in the future digestive and microbiota distribution modelling. The system couples
a hydraulically driven module delivering programmable contraction waves (<200 mmHg) with a biomimetic, water-absorbing
sleeve based on hydrogels. Modular hardware and a GUI enable standardised, rapidly reconfigurable experiments. We will model
and prototype actuation mechanics and sleeve transport/uptake, then calibrate against in-/ex-vivo reference data from literature.
Quantitative measurements on pressure–flow fields, contraction kinematics, transit times and absorption rates will validate the
fidelity to the human physiology. Outputs include three open-access papers (actuation, sleeve materials, system validation), open
protocols and FAIR datasets. The platform advances the 3Rs, cuts time and cost for preclinical testing, and strengthens GI training.
In line with the MSCA Green Charter, we will prioritise reduce–reuse–recycle practices, green procurement, hybrid/rail-first
meetings and default teleconferencing. The fellowship provides focused training in soft robotics, hydraulic actuation, modelling,
ultrasound, open science and entrepreneurship, positioning the researcher for leadership in translational medical robotics and organphantom research.
providing an ethical, reproducible alternative to animal/cadaveric models. This represents a stepping stone for research in bowel
motility studies, medical devices development and in the future digestive and microbiota distribution modelling. The system couples
a hydraulically driven module delivering programmable contraction waves (<200 mmHg) with a biomimetic, water-absorbing
sleeve based on hydrogels. Modular hardware and a GUI enable standardised, rapidly reconfigurable experiments. We will model
and prototype actuation mechanics and sleeve transport/uptake, then calibrate against in-/ex-vivo reference data from literature.
Quantitative measurements on pressure–flow fields, contraction kinematics, transit times and absorption rates will validate the
fidelity to the human physiology. Outputs include three open-access papers (actuation, sleeve materials, system validation), open
protocols and FAIR datasets. The platform advances the 3Rs, cuts time and cost for preclinical testing, and strengthens GI training.
In line with the MSCA Green Charter, we will prioritise reduce–reuse–recycle practices, green procurement, hybrid/rail-first
meetings and default teleconferencing. The fellowship provides focused training in soft robotics, hydraulic actuation, modelling,
ultrasound, open science and entrepreneurship, positioning the researcher for leadership in translational medical robotics and organphantom research.