Stryker and Medtronic Advance Robotic Surgery with Novel Systems
February marks significant progress in orthopedic robotics, with Stryker launching its Mako Robotic Power System and Medtronic receiving FDA clearance for its Stealth AXiS system. These advancements aim to enhance surgical precision and expand the capabilities of robotic-assisted procedures.
Stryker’s Mako Robotic Power System
Stryker has initiated a limited release of the Mako Robotic Power System (RPS), a handheld robotic system designed for total knee replacements. The Mako RPS caters to surgeons who desire the benefits of robotic technology while maintaining the familiarity of manual power tools.
The broader Mako SmartRobotics platform, incorporating Stryker’s Q Guidance System, has been developed over two decades and is utilized across multiple specialties, including cranial, spine, and orthopedics. Mako Total Knee SmartRobotics is designed to optimize component positioning and improve functional outcomes, allowing surgeons to assess soft tissue and adjust implant placement intraoperatively. Studies suggest that the use of AccuStop™ haptic technology results in more precise bone resections, reduced soft tissue damage, and greater bone preservation compared to manual techniques.
Stryker has also expanded the Mako system to include shoulder replacements, with Ortho Rhode Island becoming the first facility in the state to adopt the Mako robot for reverse shoulder procedures.
Medtronic’s Stealth AXiS System
Medtronic has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Stealth AXiS system, an integrated platform combining planning, navigation, and robotics for spine surgery. The system is currently cleared for spine procedures and is anticipated to receive additional clearance for cranial and ENT applications.
The Growing Field of Robotic Surgery
These launches reflect a growing trend in orthopedic robotics. Hoag Orthopedic Institute recently surpassed 1,500 robot-assisted surgeries, experiencing a 159% increase in robotic case volume in 2025. Augusta Health has also integrated Medtronic’s Mazor spine robot into its surgical offerings.