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The da Vinci SP surgical robotics system. | Supply: Intuitive Surgical

The surgical robotics house noticed a serious shakeup final 12 months. “Robotics is tough. Robotics in healthcare is tough.”

Hani Abouhalka, Johnson & Johnson’s firm group chair for Robotics & Digital, stated these phrases at DeviceTalks West, which was co-located with RoboBusiness in California in October. 

It just about sums up the scenario for medtech firms giant and small that sought to compete towards Intuitive Surgical within the soft-tissue surgical robotics house. Regardless of the elevated competitors, Intuitive stays the undisputed chief. It’s even shifting ahead on a next-gen da Vinci robotic.

For its half, Johnson & Johnson is sticking with plans to develop its Ottava surgical robotic. J&J now plans to submit Ottava for FDA investigational gadget exemption (IDE) within the second half of 2024 with a view to begin scientific trials.

Surgical robotics builders minimize staffers

Despite the fact that it’s sticking with robotic surgical procedure, J&J laid off workers within the discipline in 2023. Different firms, together with Vicarious Surgical, have additionally minimize jobs.

In the meantime, Titan Medical has largely wound down. And Siemens Healthineers stated final 12 months that it might discontinue using its Corindus surgical robots for cardiology procedures.

Listed here are 10 surgical robotics firms that proceed to draw consideration from our editors and viewers:

And right here is extra concerning the 10 firms:

Intuitive Surgical: Reaping the advantages of being a pioneer

Firms of all sizes try to compete towards Intuitive Surgical within the soft-tissue surgical robotics house, but it surely stays the undisputed chief.

Since its founding within the Nineteen Nineties, the Sunnyvale, Calif.–primarily based firm has positioned greater than 8,000 multiport and single-port programs across the globe and racked up greater than 14 million procedures, together with roughly 2.3 million simply final 12 months.

“I do see us because the chief, because the pioneer,” stated Dave Rosa, president of Intuitive Surgical, throughout DeviceTalks West in Santa Clara, Calif.

Promoted to the place of president in Might 2023, the 27-year firm veteran supplied his recommendation on perseverance to medical gadget builders: “Opponents and the rising discipline, it’s so thrilling [because] that validates the … blood, sweat and tears that our group has put in to forge this discipline and present that there’s profit with robotics. We will do issues higher, not solely bringing extra minimally invasive surgical procedure to the world, however [also by] doing it with higher choices than laparoscopy might. … And now we’ve massive and small firms coming in and saying, ‘We will make a distinction too.’”

In January, Intuitive introduced that it has submitted for FDA 510(okay) clearance of its next-generation da Vinci 5 multiport surgical robotic. Firm officers stated they hope for a launch this 12 months.

The da Vinci 5 will be a part of Intuitive’s current robotic surgical system portfolio, which incorporates the multiport X and Xi programs and the single-port SP. The corporate additionally affords Ion, a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive biopsy within the lung.

In a separate podcast, Rosa recognized two technological alternatives that he thinks are going to advance surgical robotics and minimally invasive surgical procedure in a serious manner: improved visualization for surgeons and focal remedy. Rosa stated these applied sciences make Intuitive a minimally invasive care firm.

Intuitive continues to dominate surgical robotics. Pictured is the da Vinci Xi system. | Supply: Intuitive Surgical

Extra Intuitive protection:

Asensus Surgical: Constructing a next-gen system that may final

Seven years after its Senhance robotic surgical procedure system gained FDA clearance, Asensus Surgical has unveiled its next-gen Luna platform. The corporate struck a take care of Flex to fabricate Luna and is looking for an FDA clearance in 2025.

Throughout DeviceTalks West 2023, Dustin Vaughan, vice chairman of analysis and growth at Asensus, described Luna’s enhancements. They included a 30% smaller footprint; absolutely articulated, reusable TrueWrist 5 mm devices; and a singular surgeon console and ergonomic advantages.

Asensus Surgical not too long ago confirmed off Luna to surgeons. Right here’s a video:

The years of growth behind Luna additionally included the creation of an instrument drive system, a desktop check system to allow extra instrument innovation.

Based on Vaughan, one of many best challenges to beat when designing the system was to make sure that the platform might assist the layering of latest, modern instruments and software program not only for the following 12 months, but in addition for the following decade.

“We’ve seen how difficult this house is to get the capital tools,” he stated. “As passionate as I’m personally about robotics, it doesn’t change the truth that this would be the identical system for a lot of, a few years. … You’ve acquired to get this proper, since you’re going to take a look at it and develop on it for a really very long time.”

CMR Surgical: A British Invasion for surgical robotics?

Over the previous 12 months, the Cambridge, U.Okay.–primarily based maker of the Versius surgical robotic system has launched a number of initiatives to set itself up for fulfillment:

“I believe it has been an important 12 months of making an attempt to do what is sweet for the corporate,” Bose stated in a latest interview with MassDevice. Bose, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Mark Slack, and co-founder and Chief Expertise Officer Luke Hares will communicate at DeviceTalks Boston.

In 2023, CMR Surgical’s put in base grew 50% to 160, and annual surgical process numbers grew 60% to 17,000. Bose touted some great benefits of Versius, together with a smaller cellular design that enables it to be wheeled round well being services, an open console that allows surgeons to information their working room employees higher, and a extra inexpensive value level.

This 12 months, CMR Surgical plans to roll out enhancements in imaginative and prescient expertise, instrumentation, and digital merchandise to additional strengthen Versius’ worth.

CMR Surgical’s Versius surgical robotics system in motion. | Supply: CMR Surgical

Medtronic: Hugo continues to roll out internationally

The world’s largest medical gadget firm continues to increase using its Hugo soft-tissue surgical robotics system outdoors the U.S. In 2023, Medtronic gained the FDA’s permission to begin its pivotal trial for Hugo robotic-assisted hernia procedures. It additionally continued its Broaden URO trial for prostatectomies.

Hugo combines wristed devices, 3D visualization, and Medtronic’s cloud-based surgical video seize and administration answer, Contact Surgical procedure Enterprise. The thought is to supply a multi-quadrant platform for a variety of soppy tissue procedures.

“We anticipate Hugo, outfitted with superior digital capabilities, to be a significant development driver for us within the years forward,” stated CEO Geoff Martha throughout a November 2023 earnings name.

“We imagine surgeon desire with our open console and modular design, our main place in minimally invasive surgical procedure and instrumentation, our linked digital ecosystem and data-enabled insights — together with our world-class surgical coaching program and partnerships — will meaningfully advance the low penetration of robotic surgical procedure around the globe,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Medtronic has confronted questions over whether or not Hugo will be capable to compete towards Intuitive’s da Vinci programs domestically. BTIG analysts checked out the Hugo system throughout a convention in Montreal in March 2023, and remarked in a follow-up be aware that they didn’t assume it was completely different sufficient from current choices.

“An enormous variety of surgeons need selection of their robotics system, and whereas we’re not discounting this, we predict [Medtronic’s] entrance into the U.S. can be measured,” stated BTIG’s Ryan Zimmerman, Sam Durno and Iseult McMahon.

In the meantime, Truist analysts famous in October 2023 that Medtronic’s Mazor is the primary to market with a bone-cutting utility, doubtlessly a primary step towards extra refined tissue-removing backbone procedures.

Stated Richard Newitter, Samuel Brodovsky, Benjamin Goldstein, and Lin Zhang at Truist: “That is the primary bone-cutting utility in the marketplace and an vital indication enlargement as robotic applied sciences transfer to broader applicability in backbone procedures past pedicle screw placement and dealing in direction of extra refined maneuvering deeper throughout the backbone.”

Medtronic’s Hugo robotic surgical procedure system. | Supply: Medtronic

Johnson & Johnson: Transferring ahead on Ottava

For years, Johnson & Johnson officers have solely stated “keep tuned” when requested about plans for the corporate’s Ottava soft-tissue surgical robotics system, its bid to compete with Intuitive.

In November 2023, J&J lastly broke its silence, saying that it plans to submit Ottava for FDA investigational gadget exemption (IDE) within the second half of 2024 to provoke scientific trials.

“We’re effectively below method to be prepared for the scientific examine,” Abouhalka stated in December, including that the corporate plans to proceed innovating in robotics “for what’s subsequent in surgical procedure.”

Ottava incorporates 4 robotic arms right into a standard-size surgical desk, down from the six arms proven years in the past. Its unified structure permits for an invisible design, J&J stated. The robotic arms can be found when wanted and stowed beneath the surgical desk when not.

The system additionally affords a “twin movement” function, with the unified motion of the desk and robotic arms. J&J designed it this method to enable surgical groups to handle vital scientific wants throughout surgical procedure. That would embrace repositioning a affected person with out interrupting the process.

“With Ottava, we intend to drive simplicity and new experiences by way of our distinctive structure,” Rocco De Bernardis, international president of Ottava, advised MassDevice.

In the meantime, the corporate’s Monarch platform and Monarch bronchoscope not too long ago obtained regulatory approval in China, the primary robot-assisted expertise from Johnson & Johnson MedTech to get accepted there.

Within the ortho-robotic surgical procedure house, Velys system procedures are within the hundreds. J&J’s DePuy Synthes orthopedic gadget enterprise boasted that Velys is a first-of-its-kind, table-mounted ortho surgical procedure robotic with an environment friendly design that integrates into any working room.

Be taught from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne and lots of extra.

Stryker: On observe for brand new Mako functions

The world’s largest orthopedic gadget firm stated its Mako surgical robotic for orthopedic procedures continues to drive development.

Throughout Stryker’s This autumn earnings name close to the tip of January, firm officers stated the system had a document variety of installations globally through the quarter. Within the U.S., Stryker stated 60% of its knee substitute procedures and 34% of its hip replacements had been carried out utilizing Mako that 12 months.

Mako for backbone surgical procedure is coming within the third quarter of 2024, with Mako shoulder coming close to the tip of the 12 months.

In the midst of 2023, Stryker introduced that it deliberate to spice up demand for Mako-supported surgical procedures much more with a direct-to-patient advertising marketing campaign within the U.S. referred to as “Scan. Plan. Mako Can.”

Stryker officers are additionally excited concerning the potential to make use of AI to higher analyze well being information to enhance surgical robotics outcomes in orthopedics.

The aim of the Mako surgical robotic arm is to supply extra predictable outcomes. | Supply: Stryker

Moon Surgical: A surgical robotics assistant

Based mostly in Paris and San Carlos, Calif., Moon Surgical has taken a unique strategy to robotic surgical procedure. Its Maestro system is a robotic surgical assistant, as an alternative of performing surgical procedures below a surgeon’s management. The firm‘s acknowledged aim is to supply an accessible, enhanced model of conventional laparoscopy with extra precision and management.

The small, adaptable system can combine into current scientific workflows, based on Moon Surgical. It options capabilities that bolster working room effectivity and permit for various labor fashions.

Maestro’s additional set of arms affords surgeons management of two extra devices. It supplies optimum imaginative and prescient and entry to tissue all through the process, Moon Surgical says.

Moon Surgical in October 2023 noticed its first U.S. scientific instances with an preliminary model of Maestro in Jacksonville, Fla. The subsequent month, it introduced profitable surgical procedures in France.

The corporate has secured FDA 510(okay) clearance and a CE mark for Maestro.

Extra Moon Surgical protection:

Moon Surgical’s Maestro surgical robotic. | Supply: Moon Surgical

Stereotaxis: A partnership with Abbott

Stereotaxis supplies surgical robotics that includes magnets for minimally invasive endovascular intervention. Its merchandise embrace the Genesis RMN system, Vdrive robotic navigation system, and Niobe robotic magnetic navigation system.

The St. Louis, Mo.-based firm’s expertise has handled greater than 100,000 sufferers worldwide

Current wins embrace the first sufferers efficiently handled utilizing the corporate’s Magnetic Interventional Ablation Catheter (MAGiC). MAGiC is a robotically navigated magnetic ablation catheter designed to carry out minimally invasive cardiac ablation procedures. The primary procedures passed off at Vilnius College Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Lithuania.

Final 12 months, Stereotaxis cast a partnership with Abbott to combine the Abbott EnSite X EP system — a 3D coronary heart mapping system — with Stereotaxis’ robotic magnetic navigation programs. Stereotaxis in October 2023 introduced the primary procedures carried out below the partnership.

The total Stereotaxis lab with the Genesis RMN system. | Supply: Stereotaxis

Distalmotion: In search of continued business enlargement of Dexter

Switzerland-based Distalmotion is the developer of the Dexter surgical robotics system. Dexter simply integrates into scientific follow, claimed the corporate. It requires no extra infrastructure, matches into each scientific setting and options mobility for sharing throughout departments. Establishments can then scale robotics packages throughout surgical disciplines, enhancing the usual of care, stated Distalmotion.

At present in day-to-day scientific use in Europe, Dexter treats sufferers throughout complicated and high-volume process varieties. That features normal surgical procedure, gynecology, and urology. Final 12 months, Distalmotion raised $150 million to push towards FDA approval, plus the continued acceleration of scientific expertise in Europe. Zimmer Biomet and Stryker veteran Greg Roche joined as CEO close to the tip of the 12 months.

Distalmotion not too long ago partnered with Proximie, which develops an working room working system that gives hospitals and surgical facilities entry to preoperative information that may assist inform affected person care — plus real-time collaborative instruments to document, prepare, and ship care.

The Dexter surgical robotic platform. | Supply: Distalmotion

Noah Medical: 500-case mark for Galaxy

Noah Medical not too long ago introduced the five hundredth use of its Galaxy surgical robotic system for robotic-assisted bronchoscopy within the U.S.

The San Carlos, Calif.–primarily based firm designed Galaxy and its equipment to supply bronchoscopic visualization and entry. These capabilities present diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in affected person airways.

The system options superior imaging applied sciences that present real-time location updates for doubtlessly cancerous lesions. Noah Medical stated it designed the expertise to enhance tool-in-lesion and diagnostic yield.

Galaxy makes use of proprietary built-in tomosynthesis referred to as TiLT Expertise. It permits augmented fluoroscopy with a disposable single-use bronchoscope with always-on imaginative and prescient, and a small, compact footprint that enables for straightforward integration into most bronchoscopy suites.

The corporate introduced in April 2023 that it had raised $150 million in a Sequence B spherical.

Noah Medical CEO Jian Zhang in December 2023 shared his surgical robotics business outlook with MassDevice sibling website Medical Design & Outsourcing.

Different surgical robotics firms we’re keeping track of

• Procept BioRobotics is the developer of the AquaBeam robotic system, which it describes as an image-guided, heat-free robotic remedy for the remedy of decrease urinary tract signs because of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In September 2023, the San Jose, Calif.-based firm introduced an FDA IDE for its Aquablation remedy. Intuitive co-founder Dr. Fred Moll has been the board chair since 2021.
• Vicarious Surgical’s expertise combines proprietary human-like surgical robots with 3D visualization to move surgeons contained in the affected person to carry out minimally invasive surgical procedure. The Waltham, Mass.–primarily based firm’s expertise has generated loads of buzz up to now, however final 12 months noticed the corporate push again timelines for its Model 1.0 system and interact in layoffs. The corporate not too long ago introduced on Olympus and Flex veteran ​​Randy Clark as president, reporting to co-founder and CEO Adam Sachs.
• Momentus Surgical, previously Memic Progressive Surgical procedure, developed the Anovo system that featured miniature humanoid-shaped arms. CTech reported that there have been layoffs on the Tel, Aviv, Israel–primarily based firm final 12 months.
• Zimmer Biomet’s Rosa surgical robotics programs for mind, hip and whole knee procedures are a part of the corporate’s general ZBEdge digital and robotic expertise suite. Liane Teplitsky, robotics, expertise and information president of the firm, supplied information integration recommendation and recognized alternatives past orthopedics in an interview with Medical Design & Outsourcing final 12 months.
• Smith+Nephew affords its Cori surgical system for knee and hip surgical procedures. It features a 3D intraoperative imaging system and a complicated robotic sculpting software.
• Monteris Medical is a privately held firm primarily based in Minnetonka, Minn., that develops magnetic resonance-guided ablation programs to carry out minimally invasive, robotically managed mind surgical procedure.
• Ronovo Surgical in Shanghai unveiled its Carina robotic platform a 12 months in the past. Carina, a modular system constructed on proprietary expertise, permits configurable robotic help for laparoscopic surgical procedures throughout a number of specialties.
• EndoQuest Robotics — a Houston-based endoluminal surgical robotic expertise developer — introduced in December 2023 that it closed a C-1 most well-liked financing spherical value $42 million in proceeds. The corporate designed its platform to handle unmet wants in gastrointestinal and different endoluminal surgical procedures. It not too long ago partnered with Omnivision on visualization for robotic surgical procedure.
• MMI (Medical Microinstruments) is the developer of the Symani surgical robotics system for microsurgery and supermicrosurgery. The Pisa, Italy–primarily based firm is led by Mark Toland, the previous CEO of Corindus Vascular Robotics. The system has a CE mark in Europe. In October, MMI introduced two distribution agreements masking almost a dozen nations within the Asia Pacific area.
• Levita Magnetics in December 2023 introduced the worldwide launch of its MARS (magnetic-assisted robotic surgical procedure) system with its placement at Hospital Luis Tisne in Santiago, Chile. The MARS system was additionally not too long ago used for its first U.S. business instances on the Cleveland Clinic. Mountain View, Calif.-based Levita designed the MARS platform for high-volume stomach surgical procedures resembling laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures, cholecystectomies, and prostate and colorectal procedures.
• Virtuoso Surgical has an endoscopic surgical system that it stated delivers two robotically managed, needle-sized manipulators that work from the tip of a inflexible endoscope lower than half the diameter of a U.S. dime. The Nashville, Tenn.-based firm introduced in November 2023 that it had acquired a $1.8 million NIH Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis (SBIR) grant.
• Quantum Surgical introduced in September 2023 that the Nationwide Medical Merchandise Administration (NMPA) licensed its Epione surgical robotic in China. Information of the regulatory nod got here simply weeks after Montpellier, France–primarily based Quantum secured a CE mark enlargement for Epione to deal with lung tumors. The percutaneous ablation system makes use of a robotic arm, a navigation system, and a digital camera. It inserts a needle by way of the pores and skin to the tumor and destroys it.
• Medicaroid is a Japan-based surgical robotics firm that has developed the Hinotori system, which acquired regulatory approval in Japan in 2020 and launched the identical 12 months. The system final 12 months acquired regulatory approval in Singapore.
• Triton Medical Robotics (Neptune Medical) is taking the Dynamic Rigidization expertise developed at Neptune and utilizing it to develop a completely versatile medical robotic to allow docs to succeed in deep into human anatomy. In late 2023, Neptune Medical introduced that it had appointed Moll as its board chair.

Editor’s notes: Affiliate Editor Sean Whooley contributed to this text, which was syndicated from MassDevice, a sibling website to The Robotic Report.

There can be loads of surgical robotics displays at WTWH Media’s DeviceTalks Boston occasion, which can be co-located with the Robotics Summit & Expo. Registration is now open.