Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a non-invasive method for evaluating the digestive system, offering an alternative to traditional endoscopic procedures. It is particularly useful for diagnosing gastrointestinal tissue irregularities, especially in the small intestine. However, current commercial WCE devices lack autonomous lesion detection and treatment capabilities. Recent advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and artificial intelligence (AI) have led to research into integrating sophisticated technologies into commercial capsule endoscopes, aiming to replace wired endoscopes. This review discusses the future requirements for intelligent capsule robots, comparing the merits and disadvantages of various methods and highlighting recent developments in six technologies relevant to WCE: near-field wireless power transmission, magnetic field active drive, ultra-wideband/intrabody communication, hybrid localization, AI-based autonomous lesion detection, and magnetic-controlled diagnosis and treatment. The review also explores the feasibility of future "capsule surgeons." WCE has evolved significantly since its first commercial capsule endoscope, M2A, was approved in 2001. It has become one of the eight key research topics in medical robotics from 2010 to 2020. Recent studies have confirmed the critical role of WCE devices in navigating acute gastrointestinal bleeding, even in resource-limited environments. Unlike traditional endoscopy, WCE eliminates the need for anesthesia and replicates the ingestion process of standard capsule medication. It moves passively or actively through the gastrointestinal tract, capturing images at a controlled pace. The video signals are wirelessly transmitted to a receiver affixed to the patient, allowing medical professionals to identify potential anomalies for diagnosis. Standard WCE devices are typically 11 × 26 mm in size and incorporate components such as a lens, image sensor, LED, button battery, and antennas. Recent advancements in emerging technologies, such as MEMS and AI, have prompted new criteria for the development of the next generation of intelligent capsule endoscopy robots. These include high endurance, active motion navigation, high-speed bi-directional communication, high-precision positioning, intelligent lesion detection, and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions. The review provides a comprehensive comparison of technologies associated with the "capsule surgeon" concept and suggests potential future directions for capsule endoscopy research.Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a non-invasive method for evaluating the digestive system, offering an alternative to traditional endoscopic procedures. It is particularly useful for diagnosing gastrointestinal tissue irregularities, especially in the small intestine. However, current commercial WCE devices lack autonomous lesion detection and treatment capabilities. Recent advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and artificial intelligence (AI) have led to research into integrating sophisticated technologies into commercial capsule endoscopes, aiming to replace wired endoscopes. This review discusses the future requirements for intelligent capsule robots, comparing the merits and disadvantages of various methods and highlighting recent developments in six technologies relevant to WCE: near-field wireless power transmission, magnetic field active drive, ultra-wideband/intrabody communication, hybrid localization, AI-based autonomous lesion detection, and magnetic-controlled diagnosis and treatment. The review also explores the feasibility of future "capsule surgeons." WCE has evolved significantly since its first commercial capsule endoscope, M2A, was approved in 2001. It has become one of the eight key research topics in medical robotics from 2010 to 2020. Recent studies have confirmed the critical role of WCE devices in navigating acute gastrointestinal bleeding, even in resource-limited environments. Unlike traditional endoscopy, WCE eliminates the need for anesthesia and replicates the ingestion process of standard capsule medication. It moves passively or actively through the gastrointestinal tract, capturing images at a controlled pace. The video signals are wirelessly transmitted to a receiver affixed to the patient, allowing medical professionals to identify potential anomalies for diagnosis. Standard WCE devices are typically 11 × 26 mm in size and incorporate components such as a lens, image sensor, LED, button battery, and antennas. Recent advancements in emerging technologies, such as MEMS and AI, have prompted new criteria for the development of the next generation of intelligent capsule endoscopy robots. These include high endurance, active motion navigation, high-speed bi-directional communication, high-precision positioning, intelligent lesion detection, and integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions. The review provides a comprehensive comparison of technologies associated with the "capsule surgeon" concept and suggests potential future directions for capsule endoscopy research.