Spine and orthopedic devicemakers are ramping up their robotics efforts and have ambitious plans for the year ahead.
Stryker has its eyes on two launches in 2024 — spine and shoulder robotic applications. Stryker's vice president of investor relations, Jason Beach, said Mako spine is expected to launch in the second half of 2024, while the initial shoulder launch is planned toward the end of that year. In a November earnings call, CEO Kevin Lobo said the spine robot will focus on pedicle screw placement.
Meanwhile Zimmer Biomet, which is known for its Rosa Knee robot, is also gunning for a shoulder application launch. CEO and former COO Ivan Tornos said in February that he expects the company will beat Stryker to the punch with the shoulder robot.
Another contender in the joint replacement space is Globus Medical. CEO Dan Scavilla said in a November earnings call that the company is awaiting the FDA's approval for a knee robot, and he expects to launch it in the first half of 2024.