The field of robotics has made significant advancements in the medical device sector, revolutionizing the way healthcare solutions are provided. Companies leverage innovative patents in robotics, enabling precise robotic system movements, enhancing surgical accuracy, and aiding joint replacement procedures, fostering significant improvements in healthcare. Strategic investments in robotics persist despite reduced deal activity, while job postings in architecture, engineering, and computer-related fields stood out in the medical device industry’s robotics sector. The impact of robotics extends beyond the medical device sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s Robotics in Medical Devices – Thematic Intelligence report identifies key companies poised to succeed amid disruptive threats, predicting the evolution of each theme and spotlighting leading and disruptive firms in the industry. Buy the report here.
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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 new technologies and applications to innovate and improve their businesses. These companies have recently acquired patents that focus on various aspects of robotics in the medical field.
One patent titled "Synchronized placement of surgical implant hardware" discloses methods, apparatuses, and systems for robotic insertion of surgical implant components. This technology allows for the synchronous insertion of screws or other components by multiple surgical robots or a single robot with multiple arms and end effectors. The insertion process is monitored and can be completed autonomously or in coordination with a surgeon.
Another patent titled "Registration of multiple robotic arms using single reference frame" describes a registration method that enables the movement of multiple robotic arms within a common work volume. This technology involves determining a correlation among different coordinate systems and controlling the movement of the robots based on this correlation. It allows for precise and coordinated movements of multiple robots during medical procedures.
A third patent titled "Trajectory planning for a medical robot system" introduces a method for planning trajectories in a medical robot system. This technology allows for independent changes in the pose of different components of the robot system. By determining initial and target statuses, as well as position information of reference points, a trajectory is planned to transfer the robot system from the initial status to the target status. This enables precise and customizable movements of the robot system during medical procedures.
Another patent titled "Estimation of joint replacement poses from magnetic field readings" focuses on determining kinematic information of a joint using data obtained from a sensor. This technology allows for the simultaneous determination of kinematic information in six degrees of freedom, providing valuable information for joint replacement procedures.
Lastly, a patent titled "High strength wire" introduces ultra-high-strength wires that are suitable for various applications, including robotics force transmission. These wires exhibit high strength, low stretch, and fatigue durability, making them ideal for demanding robotic applications.
By acquiring these patents, medical companies in the field of robotics can benefit from advancements in robotics technologies and applications. These technologies enable precise and coordinated movements of robotic systems, improve the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures, and provide valuable information for joint replacement surgeries. The high-strength wires also enhance the performance of robotics force transmission systems. Overall, these patents contribute to the ongoing innovation and improvement of medical robotics, allowing companies to provide better healthcare solutions.
The industry experienced a 43% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q3 2023 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 50% compared with Q3 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 Q3 2023, the number of robotics-related deals in the medical device industry declined by 4% compared with Q3 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 14% drop in the number of deals in Q3 2023 compared with the previous quarter.
Impact on hiring
In terms of new job posting, in Q3 2023, the medical device industry experienced a 18% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 3%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 21%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the medical device industry in Q3 2023, with new job postings rising by 43% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 16% in Q3 2023, with new job postings rising by 23% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include installation, maintenance, and repair occupations with a 10% share in Q3 2023, and management occupations with a 8% share of new job postings.
Medtronic, Stryker, Intuitive Surgical, Danaher, 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, Japan, the UK and India 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. Architecture and engineering occupations were the leading roles in robotics hiring. Dentsply Sirona, Stryker, Medtronic, Intuitive Surgical, and Zimmer Biomet were prominent in robotics hiring. The US remained the primary driver of robotics adoption, with China, the UK, Canada, and South Korea also playing significant roles in the industry.
To further understand GlobalData's analysis on robotics in the medical device industry, buy the report here.
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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.
