Waterloo, Canada — August 2025 — A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo has developed a groundbreaking tiny magnetic robot that can break down kidney stones more quickly and with less discomfort than current treatments.
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| Tiny Magnetic Robot |
The new technology uses spaghetti-like soft robots, just 1 cm long, embedded with magnets and loaded with the enzyme urease. Guided by a robotic arm with a motorized magnet and real-time ultrasound imaging, doctors can precisely steer the mini-robots inside the urinary tract directly to the site of uric acid kidney stones.
How It Works
Once positioned, the robots release urease, an enzyme that reduces urine acidity. This chemical shift dissolves uric acid stones into smaller fragments that can pass naturally within just a few days — offering a faster, minimally invasive alternative to existing methods like slow-acting oral medication or painful surgical procedures.
Why It Matters
Kidney stones affect millions worldwide and can cause severe pain, infections, and repeated hospital visits. Current treatments often involve long-term drugs, invasive surgery, or shock-wave lithotripsy. The Waterloo innovation could benefit:
Patients prone to frequent kidney stone recurrence
Individuals unable to tolerate oral medications
Patients at high risk from surgery, such as those with chronic infections
Testing & Next Steps
The robots have already been tested successfully in life-size 3D-printed urinary tract models. Researchers are now preparing large-animal trials, with the ultimate goal of human clinical testing.
The findings were published in Advanced Healthcare Materials under the title:
“Kidney Stone Dissolution By Tetherless, Enzyme-Loaded, Soft Magnetic Miniature Robots.”
This technology may soon mark a revolution in urology, reducing pain, accelerating recovery, and offering a safer alternative to traditional kidney stone treatments.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new technology for kidney stone treatment?
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a tiny magnetic robot that uses enzymes to dissolve kidney stones directly in the urinary tract.
Q2. How does the robot dissolve kidney stones?
The robots are loaded with urease, an enzyme that reduces urine acidity and helps break down uric acid stones into smaller fragments for natural passage.
Q3. Is this treatment available for patients now?
Not yet. The technology has been tested in 3D-printed urinary tract models and is moving toward animal studies before human clinical trials.
Q4. What are the benefits compared to current treatments?
It’s faster, less painful, and minimally invasive, avoiding long-term medication or surgery in many cases.
Q5. Who could benefit most from this innovation?
Patients with recurring kidney stones, those who cannot take oral medication, or people who are poor candidates for surgery due to chronic infections or health risks.
