Robotics

The US FDA has issued an early alert concerning Intuitive Surgical staplers used during various procedures with the da Vinci Surgical System. The company is instructing customers to stop using the devices.

SS Innovations said the net proceeds from the financing will be directed toward working capital and general corporate purposes, with a focus on advancing global expansion efforts across existing and target markets.

The Stealth AXiS system is designed as an integrated platform that combines robotics, surgical planning and navigation into a single solution for spine procedures.

While surgical technologies is a roughly $6bn Medtronic business with “various moving parts,” Hugo is not yet large enough to materially shift surgical performance, it is growing at a strong pace, CEO Geoff Martha said.

The medical device industry continues to face a paradox: Despite substantial investments in research and development, many innovative technologies fail to gain traction with surgeons. This article explores the multifaceted drivers of surgeon adoption behavior and provides actionable insights.

Stryker’s broader orthopedics portfolio continued to benefit from strong robotic demand during the quarter, with the company reporting 28.7% organic growth in its US Orthopedics other than hips and knees business.

The FDA has cleared Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci 5 for some cardiac procedures, opening new opportunities for the firm. The company is also looking to expand its presence in ambulatory surgical centers, execs said during a Jan. 22 earnings call.

ces 2026

Amid the spectacle of humanoid robots at CES 2026, Swedish medical simulation company Surgical Science opted for a quieter pitch for its suitcase-sized robotic surgery simulator aimed at taking training out of the OR.

Johnson & Johnson is seeking marketing authorization from the US FDA for its Ottava surgical robot for upper abdomen procedures. If granted, Ottava could prove stiff competition for Medtronic and Intuitive.

Medtronic won FDA clearance for its Hugo surgical robot for urologic procedures, which Wiliam Blair analyst expects will draw interest from physicians. But he also says that Intuitive Surgical will remain the clear dominant player.

With redeployment of older Xi systems creating new cost tier options for hospitals, Intuitive added 340 employees last quarter across commercial, engineering and manufacturing. Next year, it plans to shift to a direct sales model in Italy, Spain and Portugal as part of a regional realignment.

C-suite executives from Stryker, Intuitive Surgical and Fresenius passed a mainly upbeat verdict on the Indian medtech market and industry.

J&J announced the separation of its orthopedics unit into a stand-alone company. The firm as a whole expects sales growth of over 5% in 2026. Gabelli analyst Jennie Tsai foresees more consolidation in orthopedics led by Zimmer Biomet, Stryker and DePuy as well as more acquisitions.

At the MedTech Conference, the CEOs of Stryker, Hologic and Insulet said during a panel AI is now central to their business strategies, from creating new medical devices to streamlining workflows and administrative tasks. Stryker’s CEO Kevin Lobo plans a business unit focused on AI-enabled tech.

After receiving US FDA clearance and reporting first successful use at Mayo Clinic, the Silicon Valley start-up plans to partner with leading centers to transform needle-based procedures with its robotic system starting with urology, then expand into other specialties, the CEO said.

Microbot wins FDA nod for Liberty, Medtronic’s Hugo showed positive results in hernia repair in clinical studies, Obvius Robotics reports first human procedure with CERTA, Ronovo closes a $67m financing round with JJDC, and Quantum expands Epione CE marking to bone tumors.

The value proposition of surgical robots is quickly changing. Gone is the focus on benefit to patients; instead cost, operative efficiency and surgeon longevity are the new focal points, making deciphering M&A value much more difficult.

Medtronic beat first-quarter revenue and EPS estimates, raised guidance, and added two board members and special committees as Elliott takes a stake.

AI-driven medtech M&A slowed slightly in volume but tripled in value in early 2025, with buyers focusing on AI-driven diagnostics, surgical tech and analytics. Industry experts expect continued high-value deals as firms defend market share and pursue workflow-enhancing AI.

Fresh off an IPO, spinal implant maker Carlsmed is preparing to launch a new cervical fusion application for its aprevo tech. Medtech Insight has two perspectives on these recent moves: CEO Mike Cordonnier and the doctor who performed the first spinal fusion using the technology.