Sean was looking forward to the MEC meeting. He'd seen a potential application for TRIZ in a medical setting and wanted to discuss this with the group.

His mother had been suffering from digestive problems and had needed an endoscopy that she dreaded. He was worried that, apart from the initial investigation, there might be a need for performing a biopsy or perhaps treatment such as clipping off a polyp. Because she was getting along in age, he found it especially painful to watch her go through the procedure and wished there was a better, less intrusive way, especially given all of the new technology and miniaturization. “Couldn’t this technology be applied for her condition?” he had asked the doctor.

He was thrilled because the doctor’s response mentioned the development of something along those lines: a “robotic” pill. It was a sophisticated gadget that could be swallowed and then take images or deliver drugs for chronic conditions such as diabetes. Although he was disappointed that the robotic pill was still in preclinical trials, he hoped it might be available in time to benefit his mother.

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