Robotic colonoscopy has been in development for more than three decades, with several systems receiving FDA clearance. However, despite advances in robotic surgery, robotic endoscopy platforms have yet to achieve widespread clinical adoption. This narrative review examines existing and experimental robotic colonoscopy technologies, exploring why earlier systems struggled to gain traction and what could shape the next generation of devices.
The review highlights the potential of robotic platforms to advance minimally invasive colonoscopy, but also underscores the technical and practical limitations that have restricted their use. Several previously cleared systems were ultimately withdrawn from the market, illustrating the gap between technological innovation and successful clinical integration. Emerging approaches include self-propelled and magnetically guided systems, soft robotic devices, and platforms designed to reduce insertion forces and improve patient comfort.