Robotics is transforming the medical device industry by enhancing surgical precision, remote surgery capabilities, and medical imaging processes. Recent patents enable advancements in these areas, offering improved surgical outcomes and patient care. Despite a decline in robotics-related deals, job postings have recently grown, indicating strong industry demand for skilled professionals in this field. The impact of robotics extends beyond the medical device sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s robotics in medical devices report provides comprehensive analysis of the market. Buy the report here.

Smarter leaders trust GlobalData

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

Medical companies in the field of robotics are leveraging the latest patents to innovate and improve their businesses. Johnson & Johnson has patented a surgical robotic system with robotic arms and instruments controlled by a user console. Medicaroid Corp has developed a remote surgery support system for mentor-side operation via an external network. VISIE Inc. has patented technology for generating three-dimensional models of scenes using computer vision and image processing. Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co Ltd has patented a C-arm-based medical device for imaging. CMR Surgical Ltd has patented a drape interface structure for conveying motion during surgical procedures. These technologies will enable the acquirer to enhance surgical precision, improve remote surgery capabilities, and advance medical imaging processes in the field of robotics.

The industry experienced a 20% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q1 2024 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of robotics-related patent applications in the medical device industry witnessed a drop of 10% compared with Q1 2023.

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 Q1 2024, the number of robotics-related deals in the medical device industry declined by 19% compared with Q1 2023. On a quarterly basis, there was 29% drop in the number of deals in Q1 2024 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q1 2024, the medical device industry experienced a 13% growth compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 46%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 21%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q1 2024, with new job postings rising by 23% quarter-on-quarter. Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations came in second with a share of 13% in Q1 2024, with new job postings rising by 30% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include computer and mathematical occupations with a 12% share in Q1 2024, and management occupations with a 10% share of new job postings.

Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, Stryker, Danaher, and Becton Dickinson and Co 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, Singapore, India and the UK also maintain significant positions in robotics adoption within the medical device industry.

In conclusion, the adoption of robotics in the medical device industry is driving significant advancements in surgical precision, remote capabilities, and imaging processes. Continuous progress and technological breakthroughs reflect a strong commitment to enhancing patient care. The US leads in robotics adoption, with notable contributions from China, Singapore, India, and the UK.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on robotics in the medical device industry, buy the report here.

Data Insights

From

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.

GlobalData

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

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.