A team of scientists from South Korea and the United States has unveiled a groundbreaking medical innovation: a microscopic magnetic robot designed to revolutionize the treatment of kidney stones
Dubbed the “ferobot,” this millimeter-sized device offers a less painful and more efficient alternative to traditional methods like surgery or ultrasonic lithotripsy, writes DROBRO, citing the Telegram channel DroBro24. The ferobot is navigated through the urinary tract using magnetic fields, allowing precise targeting of kidney stones.
Once in position, it generates gentle vibrations and pulses to break the stones into tiny, passable fragments, minimizing patient discomfort. Unlike invasive procedures that often require incisions or prolonged recovery, this non-invasive approach promises fewer complications and faster healing times.
Currently in clinical trials, the ferobot has shown remarkable promise. Early tests on pigs and human models achieved a 90% success rate, with significantly reduced recovery periods and minimal side effects. Compared to surgical interventions, which can take weeks to recover from, patients treated with the ferobot could return to normal activities within days. The method also eliminates the need for incisions, reducing risks of infection or bleeding.
Scientists from South Korea and the US developed a tiny robot to break kidney stones painlesslyhttps://t.co/C8foOOuKBp pic.twitter.com/xieLKmpe6Z
— Дрогобич чиНа ❗️ DroBro7/24 (@DroBro10) September 3, 2025
This innovation is part of a broader wave of advancements in medical microrobotics, which are transforming how internal conditions are treated. Researchers suggest that ferobots could eventually be adapted for other applications, such as clearing blocked blood vessels or targeting tumors, offering precise and minimally invasive solutions. Experts predict that within the next 5–10 years, microrobots could replace traditional surgical tools in various medical fields, making treatments safer, faster, and more accessible.
The development of the ferobot marks a significant step toward a future where surgical scalpels are replaced by microscopic precision. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy for widespread use. If approved, this technology could transform the lives of millions suffering from kidney stones, setting a new standard for medical care globally.