University of Waterloo researchers develop robots to directly treat kidney stones - The Robot Report

Researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by Dr. Veronika Magdanz, have developed a novel robotic technology aimed at directly treating kidney stones by dissolving them within the urinary tract. Kidney stones affect about 12% of people and often require prolonged drug treatments or surgeries, which can be painful and burdensome. The new minimally invasive approach uses thin, flexible, magnetically controlled strips about 1 cm long, embedded with the enzyme urease. These strips are maneuvered near uric acid kidney stones using a robotic arm guided by doctors, where the enzyme reduces urine acidity, accelerating stone dissolution so they can pass naturally within days. The technology was tested in life-size, 3D-printed urinary tract models and shows promise especially for patients who frequently develop stones or cannot tolerate oral medications or surgery due to risks like chronic infections. The system combines a motorized magnet on a robotic arm with real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely position the enzyme-loaded robots near the stones. Next steps for the