The spine robotics market has grown rapidly in recent years with new platforms and updates taking center stage.
By 2031, the spine robot market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14% between 2023 and 2031, according to Transparency Market Research.
Among spine surgeons, use of robotics is lauded for their ability to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. Despite concerns about overreliance on the technology, some spine surgeons are optimistic about the evolution of robotics.
Here is a breakdown of 10 spine robots on the market:
Mazor X (Medtronic)
In 2018, Medtronic acquired Mazor robotics and its spine robot in a $1.7 billion deal. The following year the Mazor X Stealth edition was launched. The Mazor X Stealth edition leverages enabling technologies including navigation, 3-D imaging, robotics and powered surgical tools.
The Mazor X robot costs about $550,000 to $850,000 and has a disposable supply cost of about $1,500 per case, according to the Journal of the AAOS.
ExcelsiusGPS (Globus Medical)
ExcelsiusGPS earned FDA 510(k) clearance in 2017. The robot has an arm with navigation for increased precision with screw placement and is designed to streamline workflows and limit radiation exposure.
The ExcelsiusGPS robot costs about $1.5 million, according to the Journal of Spine Surgery.
The robot can also work in tandem with the Excelsius3D spine system. Excelsius3D was launched in 2022 and is designed for 2D fluoroscopy, 2D digital radiography and 3D imaging.
Rosa ONE Spine (Zimmer Biomet)
Zimmer Biomet's Rosa ONE spine robot earned FDA clearance in 2019. Rosa ONE spine blends robotic and navigation technology and uses a 3D intraoperative planning software.
A single-institution study in Neurospine looked into the learning curve for the robot. A total of 167 patients were included, and the mean total use time with the robot was about 107 minutes. The learning curve involved 20 patients.
Pulse (NuVasive)
Pulse is an integrated platform that incorporates two fixed screens, wireless device connectivity and several software technologies. It is designed for increased efficiency in operating rooms. The platform earned FDA clearance in July 2021. By February 2023 more than 2,000 cases were completed with the system.
Cirq (BrainLab)
Brainlab's Cirq robot is a passive robotic arm that can quickly identify previously established trajectories, and it uses BrainLab's navigation technologies, according to the Journal of Spine Surgery. It costs around $100,000 to $250,000.
BrainLab added the robot to its portfolio after acquiring Medineering in 2019. Two hospitals with Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health were among the first to use the Cirq robotic arm for spine surgeries in the U.S. the following year.
Cuvis-spine (Curexo)
Curexo's Cuvis-spine robot debuted in South Korea in 2020, and it earned FDA licensing in 2021. Cuvis-spine guides pedicle screw insertion and uses a robotic arm to provide safer, more efficient surgery. With licensing, the robot can be supplied globally.
Remi (Alphatec)
The Remi robot was acquired from Accelus in 2023 for $55 million. Accelus previously owned the robot through its subsidiary, Fusion Robotics. Remi integrates navigation and robotics with 3D imaging scan or 2D fluoroscopic imaging.
Before the robot was sold, Remi earned FDA clearance for use with GE OEC 9900 C-Arm fluoroscopic imaging systems.
Alphatec plans to incorporate the robot into its procedural strategy to improve surgical predictability, limit radiation and enhance surgical precision.
Q Guidance System (Stryker)
Stryker's Q Guidance System with spine software launched in 2022 and allows full-spectrum active and passive hybrid optical tracking, semi-automatic and automatic processing features, gesture recognition and compatibility with various image sets.
In July 2023 Stryker launched the system with cranial guidance software for brain procedures.
Point Kinguide (Point Robotics MedTech)
The Kinguide robot earned FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2022. It has a handheld drilling system and navigation system to assist surgeons during implant surgery. In September 2022, the robot made its U.S. debut.
eCential Robotics' spine robot
France-based eCential Robotics received FDA 510(k) clearance for its 3D imaging, navigation and robotic guidance spine system in September 2022. It has been used in more than 2,000 European cases and is a fully unified intraoperative imaging, navigation and robotics platform. The robot is an open system that can be used with any spinal implant.
The company in 2022 partnered with Spineart to co-develop spine surgery applications for the robot.