IMC Monthly Report | Medical Robotics Industry Trends Briefing – May 2026

On April 24, a research team from the California Institute of Technology published an article in Nature Biomedical Engineering, detailing the development of a novel ring-array architecture and coded excitation algorithm that enables 360-degree panoramic imaging of the human abdomen and legs. This study achieved, for the first time, quantitative maps of speed of sound (SOS) and attenuation across full-scale human cross-sections. The technology overcomes the “acoustic shadow” blind spots inherent to handheld probes, providing clinicians with a non-invasive, radiation-free, low-cost, and fully automated “digital human” slicing tool.

On May 27, a research team from Northwestern University published an article in Science Advances, reporting the development of a wireless implantable electrochemical probe with a diameter of only 1.4 mm that can simultaneously and continuously monitor three key metabolites: K⁺, pH, and lactate. In a porcine model simulating acute compartment syndrome, the probe successfully captured the sharp changes in metabolite levels within 5 to 10 minutes after ischemia onset, providing a novel tool for early diagnosis and precise intervention.

On May 27, a research team from West China Hospital of Sichuan University published an article in Science Robotics, introducing the development of a novel minimally invasive spinal surgery robotic system called MicroSpine. The system utilizes three concentric push-pull robot (CPPR) arms with an outer diameter of only 2mm each, inserted through an 8mm cannula into the intervertebral space. By coordinating endoscopy, thulium laser, and grasping forceps, the feasibility of performing posterior lumbar nerve decompression via an anterior approach was validated on phantoms, live pigs, and cadavers.

On May 4, Olympus announced a global exclusive distribution agreement with the South Korean medical robotics company EndoRobotics to incorporate robotic-assisted technology into its endoscopic therapeutic product portfolio. This marks another key strategic move by Olympus following the establishment of its surgical robotics subsidiary, Swan EndoSurgical, in 2025, further strengthening its reserves of minimally invasive intraluminal treatment technologies.

On May 5, Johnson & Johnson announced the results of FORTE, the first clinical study of its Ottava surgical robot: among 30 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, there were zero serious complications and zero conversions to open surgery within 30 days postoperatively, with an average weight loss of 30 pounds, thereby meeting both safety and efficacy endpoints. The study was conducted across six hospitals, five of which had space-constrained operating rooms, validating the advantages of Ottava’s “invisible” architecture that integrates four robotic arms into the operating table. Based on these findings, Johnson & Johnson has submitted a novel classification marketing application to the FDA, seeking approval for multiple upper abdominal surgical indications.

On May 7, Neuralink unveiled R2, the second-generation surgical robot for its brain-computer interface. The R2 system achieves an implantation speed 11 times faster than its predecessor, requiring only 1.5 seconds to insert a single electrode. Equipped with an optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography system, it can avoid blood vessels in real time and access 99% of brain structures. To date, approximately 20 patients have undergone implantation. The first volunteer can control a computer using thoughts, while the second participant has demonstrated the ability to operate a robotic arm via mind control. The company is currently valued at $9 billion and plans to increase the number of electrode channels to 10,000 by 2027.

On May 20, Lithuanian medtech company Sentante announced that its endovascular surgical robotic platform for stroke treatment had received CE marking. The robot employs haptic feedback technology to replicate the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, providing authentic force feedback at the operator’s fingertips, a distinct advantage over traditional joystick-based control. The system is compatible with standard catheterization laboratory equipment, such as guidewires and catheters, allowing physicians to perform procedures remotely while seated, thereby eliminating radiation exposure and the physical strain of prolonged standing. It has also been granted FDA Breakthrough Device designation.

On May 19, Dominion Aesthetic Technologies and BellaMia Technologies announced the completion of their strategic merger. Dominion owns EON, a non-contact robotic body contouring device, while BellaMia has developed The Botticelli, a novel integrated laser platform for skin regeneration. The merged company will operate under the name BellaMia Technologies. Both parties stated that this debt-free merger will integrate the complementary strengths of the two companies in robotics, laser, and AI technologies, accelerate product development, expand global commercial presence, and establish one of the most technologically influential medical aesthetic device companies worldwide.

Flux Robotics has developed a magnetic navigation system that gives vascular surgeons active, real-time steering control of an endovascular guidewire tip — from outside the body. An external handheld robotic magnet directs the wire tip through complex, calcified blockages that conventional push-and-torque mechanics cannot cross. Nothing is implanted. No cathlab modification is required. The system targets the ~30% of peripheral arterial interventions that fail initial wire crossing — the leading proximate cause of preventable amputation.

ForCast Orthopedics is developing a novel drug-device platform for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Its proprietary Wearable Intra-Articular Infusion System (WIIS) enables localized delivery of high-concentration antibiotics directly into the joint space, offering a potential alternative to prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy and repeated revision surgeries. The company is currently advancing its technology through clinical development and has secured government funding and Series A investment support.

On May 11, the National Healthcare Security Administration issued the “Notice of the General Office of the National Healthcare Security Administration on Printing and Distributing the ‘Coding Rules and Methods for Medical Devices Covered by Medical Insurance (Imaging Category)’,” to strengthen the standardized management of imaging medical devices under medical insurance and improve the nationwide unified medical insurance information business coding system.

On May 15, the National Medical Products Administration and six other departments jointly issued the “Announcement of the National Medical Products Administration, the Ministry of Public Security, the National Health Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the National Healthcare Security Administration, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration on Issuing the ‘Measures for the Administration of Pharmaceutical Representatives’ (No. 42 of 2026),” to regulate the academic promotion activities of pharmaceutical representatives, further strengthen the management of pharmaceutical representatives, rectify industry order, and purify industry practices.

On May 18, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued an announcement stating that in April 2026, a total of 318 medical device products were approved for registration. Among these, 272 were domestically produced Class III medical devices, 20 were imported Class III medical devices, and 26 were imported Class II medical devices.