Robotics in the Application of Healthcare

The healthcare industry has rapidly adopted robotics to improve patient care, improve surgical procedures, and streamline administrative tasks. Robotics provides many benefits, including increased accuracy, reduced human error, and increased efficiency.

Medical Robotics Market size was valued at USD 12.5 billion in 2022. The Medical Robotics Market industry is expected to grow from USD 14.4 billion in 2023 to USD 44.4 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.16% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

In 2022, North America held a sizable market share for healthcare assistive robotics technology, and it is anticipated that it would continue to dominate over the forecast period. The primary drivers of the market’s expansion are the increasing prevalence of bone injuries, increased healthcare spending, and greater public awareness of the creative and cutting-edge uses of robotics.

On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to experience the fastest growth throughout the anticipated period for the market for healthcare assistive robots. The medical equipment industry’s presence in the area and the rising purchasing power of populous nations like China and India are both responsible for the market expansion in this area. Additionally, the robotics market is expanding due to the increase in R&D activities for the creation of new healthcare assistance devices. 

Types of Healthcare Robots

Today healthcare facilities have access to a range of medical robots designed to perform specific functions. The major ones include-

Applications of Robots in Healthcare

By application below are the key robots in the market in terms of its market share

Neurosurgeries

The dexterity, precision, and enhanced 3D visualization offered by robotics and its platforms allow neurosurgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with improved accuracy. Robotic stereotactic procedures resulted in fewer complications compared to frame-based approaches for conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Robotics is also enabling new procedures like deep brain stimulation for neurological disorders. The ability to plan and guide intricate procedures is propelling the adoption of robotics in neuro-oncology and other areas. For example, ROSA system developed by Zimmer Biomet.

• Laparoscopy

The laparoscopic application segment accounted for over 25% of the medical robotics market share and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 21% till 2030. Robotic systems provide surgeons with improved ergonomics, 3D visualization, and enhanced dexterity compared to traditional laparoscopy. This enables complex procedures to be performed with smaller incisions, leading to reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays for patients. One of the most widely used robotic systems for laparoscopy is the da Vinci system, developed by Intuitive Surgical.

• Orthopaedic Surgeries

Robotics and its technologies assist surgeons in achieving optimal implant placement and alignment, improving outcomes for procedures like knee replacements. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty led to better post-op function scores compared to conventional surgery and promises advantages like reduced length of stay and readmission rates. Ongoing R&D aims to expand the use of robotics to other areas like spine, trauma, and joint repair surgeries. NAVIO system, developed by Smith & Nephew is an example of this type of robot.

• Pharmacy Applications

Robotics and its solutions can accurately count pills, label prescriptions, and organize inventory – reducing errors, improving efficiency and freeing up pharmacists for patient-centric roles. Robotic dispensing systems led to a significant decrease in dispensing errors in an academic medical centre. TUG system developed by Aethon has been used for deliveries worldwide.

Key Players

In this rapidly evolving and expanding field some of the main players in the market and their recent development are provided below.

• iRobot Corporation (U.S.) is a pioneer and leader in consumer robotics, with more than 40 million home robots sold worldwide. The company also develops and provides software and services to energy, water, and communications industries. Some of the recent developments of iRobot are:
  • In May 2019, iRobot acquired Toronto-based Sigma Systems, which provides a variety of OSS and analytics systems to network operators of all types.
  • In January 2023, iRobot unveiled its next generation technology and participated in meetings to support the strategic review process alongside the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. 

• Titan Medical Inc. (Canada) is a medical device company focused on single access robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). The company’s flagship product is the Enos™ robotic single access surgical system, which is designed to provide a surgical experience that imitates real-life movements that surgeons demand and includes multi-articulating instruments that allow surgeons an increased range of motion in a confined space. Some of the recent developments of Titan Medical are:
  • In February 2022, Titan Medical completed the final milestone under the development and license agreement with Medtronic plc, the world’s leading medical technology company. The milestone involved the development and delivery of novel robotic surgical technologies for use by Medtronic in its robotic platforms.
  • In June 2023, Titan Medical signed an asset purchase and license agreement with Medtronic, under which Titan Medical sold certain robotic intellectual property assets to Medtronic and granted Medtronic a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use certain other robotic intellectual property assets in return for $150 million in upfront cash and potential future milestone payments.
  • In January 2023, Titan Medical announced the unveiling of its next generation technology and participation in meetings to support the strategic review process. The company also shared a video highlighting its latest innovation in robotic-assisted surgery.

• Stryker Corporation (U.S.) offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in orthopaedics, medical and surgical, neurotechnology, and spine. The company is committed to improving patient and hospital outcomes through its products, services, and solutions. Some of the recent developments of Stryker are:
  • In November 2019, Stryker completed the acquisition of Wright Medical Group N.V., a global medical device company specializing in extremities and biologics. The acquisition enhanced Stryker’s position and portfolio in the fast-growing segments of orthopaedics, such as upper extremities, lower extremities, and biologics.
  • In January 2020, Stryker acquired OrthoSensor, Inc., a leader in the digital evolution of musculoskeletal care and sensor technology for total joint replacement. The acquisition added OrthoSensor’s advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to Stryker’s digital surgery platform.

• Intuitive Surgical (U.S.) with more than 10 million procedures performed using its da Vinci surgical systems. The company also develops and provides other innovative technologies, such as the Ion endoluminal system for lung biopsy, the Iris augmented reality system for surgical planning and visualization, and the SureForm stapler for advanced tissue management. Some of the recent developments of Intuitive Surgical are:
  • In April 2020, Intuitive received FDA clearance of its da Vinci SP surgical system for urologic surgical procedures that are appropriate for a single port approach. The da Vinci SP system provides surgeons with robotic-assisted technology designed for deep and narrow access to tissue in the body.
  • In July 2020, Intuitive launched its new da Vinci Xi/X integrated table motion in collaboration with Trumpf Medical, a leading supplier of medical equipment and solutions. The integrated table motion enables the da Vinci Xi/X surgical systems and the Trumpf Medical TruSystem 7000dV table to communicate and move in sync during robotic-assisted surgery.

• Renishaw plc (U.K.) is a leading global provider of engineering and scientific technology solutions, with expertise in precision measurement, additive manufacturing, motion control, healthcare, and spectroscopy. The company offers a range of products and services, such as probes, sensors, gauges, encoders, scanners, printers, robots, software, and calibration. Some of their recent developments of are:
  • In January 2021, Renishaw launched its new RFP fringe probe for the REVO 5-axis measurement system on co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The RFP probe is designed to deliver non-contact structured light inspection of complex surfaces and features, such as freeform shapes, splines, and gear teeth.

The use of robotic systems in surgeries presents significant opportunities for major players in the medical robots market in developing countries, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. With lower-cost options for radiation treatment and fewer regulatory restrictions, market participants are increasingly focusing on emerging markets. The market share of medical robots is expected to rise rapidly due to increased healthcare spending, surgical procedures, and the expansion of key players especially in developing regions.