Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a kidney stone’s worst nightmare: a tiny worm-like robot.

In a news release, the university said the new technique utilizes thin, spaghetti-like strips fitted with magnets that are moved along the urinary tract with a robotic arm operated by doctors.

The soft, flexible robot strips are about a centimetre long and contain an enzyme called urease. Once in place next to the stones, the tiny robot releases the enzyme, reducing the acidity of the surrounding urine and shrinking the stones.

After a few days of coming into contact with the tiny robots, the stones are dissolved to the point that they are small enough to pass naturally.

“There is currently no good treatment method available for this type of kidney stone,” Dr. Veronika Mag

See Full Page