eCential Robotics’ spine surgery platform brings together intra-operative 2D and 3D imaging, navigation and robotic guidance for performing surgical procedures.
The robotic platform is designed to be used in spine surgery but can be upgraded for use in many other procedures.
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The first-ever robotic spinal operation using the open robotic platform was performed in July 2024 to implant a Spineart medical device.
Regulatory approvals
The company received 510(k) clearance for the platform’s imaging system from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021, while the platform’s surgical arm was granted 510(k) clearance in September 2022.
The FDA approval enabled eCential Robotics to introduce the unified robotic platform in the US and gain access to the North American market.
The device also secured CE marking for sale and installation in Europe.
In March 2025, the company secured 510(k) clearance for the latest generation of its Op.n GEN 1 platform.
Design and features of eCential Robotics’ spine surgery platform
eCential Robotics’ spine surgery system is an integrated, open platform that combines intraoperative 2D/3D imaging, navigation and robotics in its core design while offering stereotaxic guidance.
The system comprises three movable, interconnected parts. These are a mobile X-ray C-arm imaging system or Surgivisio Platform, a mobile viewing workstation and a mobile collaborative robot (CoBot) with a surgical arm.
The system features a single user interface that enables all the components and functions, including imaging, navigation and robotics, to be controlled from a single input and output graphical display screen.
Surgivisio Platform details
The Surgivisio Platform is a mobile X-ray C-arm system comprising a five-axis imaging robot. It can perform image reconstruction and real-time navigation of anatomical structures and objects with excellent contrast in both 2D and 3D.
The Surgivisio Platform is designated as a CE-marked class IIb medical device in Europe.
The platform can be used for emergency, routine or complex procedures without the need for any pre-operation imaging. It can also be used as a conventional 2D-arm for applications such as visualising cement injection in real-time.
The platform’s navigation feature includes robotic guidance and freehand navigation based on standard and established navigational techniques that deploy 3D optical position tracking technology.
In addition, the Surgivisio Platform is equipped with a stereoscopic camera, a computer platform, navigation software and a robotic C-arm. It also includes instruments with marker spheres to enable surgeons to make precise localisation in the anatomy.
CoBot details
CoBot is a mobile, roll-in/roll-out platform incorporating a seven-axis robotic arm. It is designed to help surgeons execute procedures in line with the intended plan, improving efficiency and delivering consistent, repeatable accuracy.
During the operation, the clinician plans implant placement in real time using patient imaging taken in the treatment position. With automatic pre-positioning as a starting point, the user can refine implant location and angulation via an intuitive interface.
The system then automatically positions the pedicle targeting tools along the selected path, while the surgeon retains control of the workflow within the sterile field.
The key features of the robotic arm include a compact footprint tailored for the operating theatre, a motion-compensation function to maintain continuous alignment with the target and the ability to revert to navigation mode at any point.
Benefits of eCential Robotics’ spine surgery platform
The spine surgery system uses patented technologies for robotics, navigation and imaging that provide surgeons with consistent precision throughout a surgical procedure. It is designed to improve the accuracy and safety of spine surgery while facilitating ease of use.
The system enables less invasive procedures while allowing surgeons to work in a reliable and uncomplicated environment, providing improved benefits for patients. It is a fully open solution that allows the use of implants from any manufacturer.
In addition, the system improves the surgical workflow by automating several technical steps, while addressing the drawbacks of conventional image-navigation pairing, such as faulty calibration and registration steps.
Marketing commentary on eCential Robotics
eCential Robotics is a surgical robotics company based in Grenoble, France, that currently holds more than 100 patents and seven trademarks. It develops and distributes a revolutionary technology that combines real-time navigation and 2D/3D robotic imaging.
The company designs and manufactures all its equipment, including hardware and software. It was the winner of the Bpifrance Worldwide Innovation Challenge in 2018.
In December 2021, eCential received €15m ($16.9m) from the European Investment Bank to fund the research and development of a comprehensive robotic solution that helps surgeons perform less invasive surgeries.
