Robotic Catheter (To Scale) (IMAGE) North Carolina State University Caption The robotic catheter developed by Buckner’s team utilizes “smart materials” that act as internal muscles, contracting when an electric current is applied. This allows the catheter to bend left, right, up, down or any combination of those directions. Credit Dr. Greg Buckner, North Carolina State University Usage Restrictions Photo credit must be given. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.