This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the medical device industry regarding robotics. It provides an overview of recent developments in robotics-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the medical device industry.

Diverse applications of robotics in medical device industry

In the realm of robotics, medical companies are capitalizing on cutting-edge technologies and applications to revolutionize their operations. Recent patent acquisitions in this field promise to be instrumental in advancing robotics technologies and their diverse applications. For instance, SQUAREMIND's patent introduces a groundbreaking method for generating intricate three-dimensional models of the human body. This involves processing input data related to geometric properties, resulting in the creation of a detailed human body model. Johnson & Johnson's patent hones in on collision avoidance in surgical robotics, ensuring a safe surgical environment by enabling the robotic system to detect and evade potential obstructions. Meanwhile, Medtronic Plc has secured a patent that empowers surgeons with precise control over a robotically delivered manipulator through an intuitive gesture-based interface. Other patents, such as those addressing augmented reality parameters and streamlined testing equipment systems, showcase the expansive scope of innovation within this domain.

As these pioneering technologies find their way into mainstream medical practices, they hold the promise of significantly enhancing the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of various procedures, ultimately leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

The industry experienced an 18% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q2 2023 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of robotics-related patent applications in the medical device industry witnessed a rise of 27% compared with Q2 2022.

Strategic deal trends in robotics in medical device industry

Medical Device companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in robotics. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of robotics in the medical device industry.

In Q2 2023, the number of robotics-related deals in the medical device industry grew by 27% compared with Q2 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 33% increase in the number of deals in Q2 2023 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2023, the medical device industry experienced a 20% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also grew by 15%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 12%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q2 2023, with new job postings rising by 19% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 10% in Q2 2023, with new job postings dropping by 9% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include installation, maintenance, and repair occupations with a 9% share in Q2 2023, and management occupations with a 8% share of new job postings.

Dentsply Sirona, Stryker, Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, and Zimmer Biomet are among the top companies leading in robotics hiring within the medical device industry.

Countries driving adoption of robotics in medical device industry

The US is the leading country in robotics adoption within the medical device industry, boasting the highest number of robotics-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, the UK, Canada and South Korea also maintain significant positions in robotics adoption within the medical device industry.

In summary, the medical device industry witnessed a mixed performance in robotics, with quarterly patent applications declining but an annual increase. Strategic deals experienced robust growth both quarterly and compared to the previous quarter. Job postings showed a significant quarterly drop, though annual postings increased with architecture and engineering occupations being the leading roles in robotics hiring.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. 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.