Smith+Nephew has announced the launch of its latest robotics platform, along with a suite of technology solutions called Real Intelligence, in Australia and New Zealand.

WHY IT MATTERS

First launched in the US in 2020, the FDA-approved CORI Surgical System is a handheld robotics solution for unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasties. Compared to its NAVIO Surgical System, this latest robotics platform incorporates a "new camera technology that is over four times faster, provides more efficient cutting with twice the volume and aims to deliver a faster cutting time".

According to the company, the system's modular design makes it ideal for ambulatory surgery centres and outpatient surgery.

According to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, leading technologies, including robotics, are utilised in nearly half of all total knee procedures in Australia. It said approximately 57,000 total knee arthroplasty and 3,700 unicompartmental procedures are being conducted in the country each year.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Based on a study by Emergen Research, the global surgical robotics market might expand at a CAGR of 24.6% by 2027, hitting a potential valuation of $9.59 billion.

In April, surgical robots developer EDDA Technology netted $150 million in a funding round led by Masayoshi Son's Softbank Vision Fund 2. The company integrates AI and robotics with precision surgery.

British medical device maker CMR Surgical brought its Versius Surgical Robotic System to German hospitals in February. The tool supports medical teams in minimally invasive surgeries.

Another UK-based company, Freehand, launched a crowdfunding round in January for the expansion of its robotic surgical camera controllers used in keyhole procedures.

ON THE RECORD

"We have been building towards this moment since the first NAVIO robotics-assisted procedure was performed in Australia back in 2015. We are more than ready to help accelerate the adoption of this exciting technology with our customers so their patients can realise the many benefits of the personalised knee replacement experience," said Vassie Ponsamy, managing director at Smith+Nephew ANZ.