Bio-Design and Manufacturing  2026 Vol.9 No.5 P.868 - 879

http://doi.org/10.1631/bdm.2600137


A magnetic slime robot for minimally invasive kidney stone retrieval: design, characterization, and in vitro validation


Author(s):  Hao Zhang,Feihao Wang,Jiashuo Zhang,Hui Xie

Affiliation(s):  1. State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China more

Corresponding email(s):   xiehui@hit.edu.cn

Key Words:  Magnetic slime robot (MSR), Non-Newtonian fluid, Bio-inspired design, Kidney stone retrieval, Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)


Hao Zhang, Feihao Wang, Jiashuo Zhang, Hui Xie. A magnetic slime robot for minimally invasive kidney stone retrieval: design, characterization, and in vitro validation[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2026, 9(5): 868 - 879.

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Abstract: 
The retention of residual kidney stone fragments following surgical removal, which is a primary cause of recurrence, remains a significant clinical challenge in urology. Inspired by the adaptability of natural mucilage and the efficiency of magnetic actuation, we propose a magnetic slime robot (MSR) specifically designed for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), featuring a dedicated hybrid magnetic actuation system and a complete clinical workflow to address targeted residual fragment clearance. The MSR is fabricated from a polyvinyl alcohol–borax matrix embedded with NdFeB particles, and exhibits non-Newtonian fluidic behavior, self-healing properties, and controllable adhesion. Unlike systems relying solely on the movement of permanent magnets or static coil arrays, the custom hybrid system—which integrates electromagnetic coils with a spherical permanent magnet mounted on a robotic arm—generates programmable gradient, rotating, and oscillating fields, enabling robust multimodal deformation and locomotion for the highly viscous MSR in confined spaces. In vitro experiments in silicone and porcine kidney models demonstrate the MSR ’s ability to encapsulate stones up to 8 mm in diameter, navigate complex terrains with a tracking error of ≤1.3 mm, and clear stones within 3 min. This work establishes the MSR as a promising solution for improving postoperative stone clearance in PCNL.

用于微创取石的磁性粘液机器人:设计、表征与体外验证

肾结石经手术清除后,残余碎片的滞留是导致复发的主要诱因,这至今仍是泌尿外科领域的一项重大临床挑战。受天然黏液自适应特性的启发,并结合磁场驱动的高效性,本研究提出了一种专为经皮肾镜取石术( percutaneous nephrolithotomy,PCNL)设计的磁性黏液机器人(magnetic slime robot,MSR),其配备了一套专用的混合磁驱动装置及一套完整的临床工作流程,旨在解决靶向性残余结石清除的难题。该 MSR 以聚乙烯醇-硼砂为基体并嵌入钕铁硼颗粒(NdFeB),具有非牛顿流体行为、自愈合特性及可控黏附性能。区别于仅依赖永磁体移动或静态线圈阵列的传统系统,本研究的定制混合系统安装在机械臂上——其将电磁线圈与球形永磁体相结合——能够产生可编程的梯度场、旋转场及振荡场;这使得高黏度的 MSR 能够在受限空间内实现稳健的多模态变形与运动。在硅胶模型及猪肾模型中开展的体外实验表明,该 MSR 能够包裹直径达 8 mm的结石,以不超过 1.3 mm 的跟踪误差在复杂腔道中导航,且可在 3 min 内完成结石清除。本研究确立了 MSR 作为一种极具前景的解决方案,可用于提升经皮肾镜取石术后的结石清除率。
关键词:磁性黏液机器人(MSR);非牛顿流体;仿生设计;肾结石清除;经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)

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Received: 2026-03-06

Revision Accepted: 2026-05-19

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Citations:  Bibtex RefMan EndNote GB/T7714

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