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Data Insights Robotics in medical: surgical robot end effectors

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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 165,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the medical devices industry, there are 35+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Surgical robot end effectors is a key innovation area in robotics

Surgical robot end effectors refer to the tools or devices attached to the robotic arms used in surgical procedures. These end effectors are meticulously engineered to replicate the dexterity and precision of the human hand, with a surgeon controlling them via a console. They can include cutting tools, graspers, scissors, and other instruments, and are used to perform minimally invasive surgery.

GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 230+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established medical devices companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of surgical robot end effectors.

Key players in surgical robot end effectors – a disruptive innovation in the medical devices industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.   

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.  

Patent volumes related to surgical robot end effectors

Intuitive Surgical and Johnson & Johnson are two of the leading patent filers in surgical robot end effectors. Some other key patent filers include Medtronic, Stryker, and Olympus.

In terms of application diversity, Waters leads the pack, while Smart Medical Devices and KindHeart stood in the second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, DexCom held the top position, followed by Vicarious Surgical and Abbott Laboratories.

With the continued advancement of robotics, further developments and advancements in surgical robot end effectors can be expected, allowing for more precise and efficient operations. Improvements in the precision and adaptability of surgical instruments will lead to a shorter recovery period and better outcomes for patients, thanks to advancements in materials, design, and artificial intelligence (AI).

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the medical devices industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Robotics in Medical Devices.

GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.