Robotics
Navigating the next wave of surgical robotics
In a decade defined by disruption , the next market leaders will combine a deep understanding of growth opportunities and customer needs with fast progress and a clear long-term perspective
Promising improved precision and visualization for surgeons , and better experiences and outcomes for patients , investments in surgical robotics have swelled over the past 10 years . It ’ s now a $ 3 to $ 3.5 billion global market , up from around $ 800 million in 2015 .
What does the next decade hold� From artificial intelligence ( AI ) -assisted to fully autonomous robots , advancements in technology and hardware will revolutionize operating rooms . Leading players , such as Intuitive in general surgery , or Stryker and Zimmer Biomet in orthopedics , are expanding pioneering platforms into new areas . Other large companies , like Johnson & Johnson , are making a play for the burgeoning market through acquisitions , partnerships , and heavy investments in developing their own systems . And start-ups and small to midsize companies are challenging the status quo . Recent breakthroughs are sparking robust M & A activity and a frenzy of VC funding that will fuel the next wave of transformational developments .
In the US , most surgeons are eager to embrace these new technologies . Bain research shows that across specialties that we surveyed , 78 % say they are interested in surgical robotics ( see Figure 1 ).
�espite significant advances and rising interest , there ’ s still plenty of room to grow : Today , around 44 % of surgeons say they aren ’ t using robotics in hip replacement procedures at all . And more than a third of surgeons say they aren ’ t relying on robots during the majority of a knee replacement procedure .
Several obstacles stand in the way of scaling existing surgical robotic systems . Surgeons at both ambulatory surgery centers ( ASCs ) and hospitals cite a lack of efficiency , due to longer surgery time , as the largest hurdle . In addition , they say limited clinical evidence and high ongoing and up-front costs hinder their adoption . That ’ s not to mention many procedures where robots are still in development or face technological obstacles .
A market this ripe with potential begs many questions : How can OEMs help customers overcome the barriers to adoption ? Where are the greatest opportunities for growth ? And how can OEMs adapt their portfolio at the pace of change , winning share as competitors and technological developments continuously shake up the landscape ?
In a recent survey of 200 surgeons and procurement specialists , we examined the state of robotic surgery across several major specialties that are primed for considerable growth , including general surgery , cardiology , orthopedics , neurosurgery , and vascular surgery . Their responses provide a glimpse into the future of surgery , from where the next wave of disruption will hit to what it will take to boost adoption .
Ready for robots ? With surgeons already utilizing robotics in many procedure types , general surgery will remain the most established market . But robotics is starting to take hold in other specialties . Several indicators suggest orthopedics and neurosurgery will continue to grow substantially in the coming decade ( see Figure 2 ).
Given the advanced technologies available , general , orthopedic , and neurosurgery are primed for greater adoption . Existing platforms , such as hip and knee offerings , will likely see usage accelerate . For some procedure types in these specialties , such as spinal surgery , residents are already training on platforms , indicating growth is ready to ramp up . Here , OEMs have a clear opportunity to connect with customers , increasing training and awareness . In other procedures that lack substantial offerings , OEMs are actively working to leverage existing platforms . For
Figure 1 : Percentage of surgeons interested in surgical robotics
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