Surgical robots are one of the most exciting developments happening in the surgical space.

These systems are at the cutting-edge of innovation, so there’s no wonder that 41% of people we surveyed for our recent UK Surgical Devices Market Trends Report (download here) said that surgical robotics represented the biggest advances being made in the space.

Who are the big names in surgical robotics?

Intuitive Surgical – You can’t say ‘surgical robots’ without immediately thinking of Intuitive and their Da Vinci range. The range promotes operating room efficiency and reliable surgical outcomes and can be used for a variety of complex procedures. They are by far and away the market leaders. There are over 4,400 Da Vinci systems across 66 countries in hospitals worldwide. Intuitive surgical are truly changing the face of minimally invasive procedures.

CMR Surgical – A Cambridge-based company who are aiming to make minimal access surgery available to all. Whilst not yet CE marked, their Versius surgical robot aims to assist in performing various laparoscopic procedures and is hoping to come to the NHS next year. They’re also designed to be cost effective so that they can bring the advantages of minimally invasive surgery to a bigger audience of people.

Stryker – Stryker’s Mako surgical system for joint replacement is a more niche offering than the above, but still aims for more predictable surgical outcomes in partial and total knee and hip applications. Over 100,000 Mako procedures have been performed to date.

Mazor Robotics – Recently acquired by Medtronic, Mazor are innovating in the spine and brain surgery space with their Mazor X and Renaissance guidance systems for surgeries.

What does surgical robotics mean for surgery?

These technologies are designed to improve consistency and quality of surgical procedures by expanding the capabilities of surgeons in complicated procedures. Robotic arms allow surgeons to make smaller, more precise incisions which improve patient outcomes, such as reduced blood loss and ultimately, less pain. They’re also ergonomic for surgeons, making them more comfortable during such important procedures.

Advances in surgical robots could also allow for remote surgeon locations which would change the face of surgery, making it more time and cost-effective.

You can find out more about how surgical robots will affect the market by downloading our latest insight report here.

What do these developments mean for talent and skills?

With more and more companies keen to position themselves at the cutting-edge of innovation by developing their own surgical robotics systems, the need for tailored recruitment plans will increase.

As with any major development, skilled sales talent will be needed to sell these products into both the NHS and private markets. This will require them having a deep understanding of complex surgical capital equipment. The need for service engineers to maintain and work on the equipment will also increase.

Interested in more?

If you want to know more about surgical robots and the other advances being made in the surgical devices space, download our UK Surgical Devices Market Trends Report 2018 here!