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The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has urged the Federal Aviation Administration …
12. March 2025
Surgical Robotics Giants Shift Focus Away From Competition With Market Leader
The surgical robotics industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with companies continuing to innovate and expand their offerings. As the demand for minimally invasive procedures increases, surgical robotics experts believe that the most promising technologies will focus on providing robot-assisted surgery options that don’t directly compete with market leader Intuitive Surgical Inc.
Intuitive’s dominance in the soft-tissue procedure market has been a subject of interest for years, and last year’s launch of its next-generation da Vinci 5 system marked a significant milestone. The company’s strategic move to expand its offerings into new areas has led many industry experts to take note, highlighting the need for competition in the market.
Industry expert Steve Bell notes that other companies are having success by finding unique propositions and expanding their portfolios beyond soft-tissue procedures. “The other companies are having some success again by trying to find areas where they have a unique proposition,” he said. “And I think that all the companies that do that are going to have a little bit more success by doing that and not having to spend the massive marketing dollars to compete with Intuitive head-on.”
Surgical robotics firms are diversifying their product portfolios, focusing on specific areas where they can differentiate themselves from competitors. Medtech giant Medtronic has made significant strides in urological indications for its Hugo robot at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company’s success in spine surgery with its Mazor robots is another notable example.
Johnson & Johnson is also making waves with its Ottava system, which recently secured an investigational device exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This move indicates the company’s commitment to developing innovative solutions for the medical industry. Meanwhile, Stryker has enjoyed considerable success in orthopedic surgery with its Mako robots — and competitors are now on the market with their own ortho surgery systems.
The Mako 4 system announced by Stryker marks an exciting development in the company’s platform, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. The latest advancements in surgical robotics have attracted significant investment, with the top seven companies that disclosed fundraising having brought in over $2 billion in total.
To better understand the landscape of surgical robotics companies, it is essential to explore the various players and their offerings. Here are ten key companies to watch in 2025:
Intuitive Surgical Inc.: The leading provider of robotic-assisted surgery systems, Intuitive continues to innovate with its next-generation da Vinci 5 system.
Medtronic: While primarily known for its cardiac and neurological devices, Medtronic’s Hugo robot has gained significant traction in urological indications, demonstrating the company’s versatility.
Johnson & Johnson: The Ottava system has secured an IDE from the FDA, signaling Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions for the medical industry.
Stryker: Stryker’s Mako robots have enjoyed considerable success in orthopedic surgery, and the recent announcement of its Mako 4 system solidifies the company’s position as a leader in this field.
Boston Scientific: Boston Scientific is expanding its surgical robotics portfolio with new products, focusing on areas like cardiology and oncology.
Corin: Corin has gained attention for its innovative surgical robots designed specifically for orthopedic procedures, aiming to provide more precise and effective solutions.
Atria Surgical: Atria Surgical is developing a robotic-assisted system designed to improve the accuracy of spinal surgery, targeting a specific area where competitors have struggled.
Medrobotics: Medrobotics has been working on advanced surgical robots for various medical specialties, including cardiology and oncology, showcasing its commitment to innovation.
Z-Medica: Z-Medica is developing a robotic system that can be used for minimally invasive procedures, demonstrating its focus on innovative solutions for the medical industry.
Fossa Medical: Fossa Medical has developed a new type of surgical robot designed for minimally invasive procedures, highlighting the company’s emphasis on innovation in the field.
The future of surgical robotics looks promising, with numerous companies pushing the boundaries of innovation. As device manufacturers continue to invest in research and development, it will be exciting to see how this technology advances and evolves in the coming years.
For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest developments in surgical robotics, attending events like the Robotics Summit & Expo is an excellent way to gain insights into the industry’s trends and advancements. The summit features talks from both component and full system providers, offering a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare robotics landscape.
Attendees can look forward to gaining knowledge on emerging technologies, engineering best practices, and more. With over 5,000 attendees expected at this year’s event, it promises to be an exciting experience for medical technology professionals and engineers focused on building commercial robots for various industries.