Single-Arm Robots in Hard Tissue Robotics: Where We Are and What's Next

Welcome back to Solaris Insights, your monthly guide to the evolving world of hard tissue surgical robotics.

In this edition, we take a closer look at today's robotic landscape: specifically, the rise of single-arm robots in orthopedic and spine surgery. As more hospitals turn to robotic assistance for precision and consistency, it's important to understand where the industry stands—and where opportunity still exists.

The Rise of Single-Arm Systems

Hard tissue robotics has made big strides in the last decade. Today, many of the leading robotic platforms for bone and spine procedures are built around single mechanical arms designed to:

• Guide surgical tools with improved accuracy
• Support implant placement and alignment
• Assist in planning and executing repetitive, high-stakes tasks

While these systems represent major progress, they are often designed for very specific procedures or anatomical areas.

Quick Overview: Leading Single-Arm Robots

Here are some of the best-known platforms shaping today's hard tissue robotics field:

• Stryker Mako — Total knee, partial knee, and hip replacements
• Zimmer Rosa — Knee procedures and select spine applications
• J&J Velys — Focused on total knee arthroplasty
• Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition — Spine surgeries (non-cervical)
• Globus ExcelsiusGPS — Spine and orthopedic trauma procedures

Each platform brings valuable capabilities to surgeons and hospitals. However, many of these systems are tied to specific implants or procedures, limiting their flexibility.

Gaps That Still Remain

Even with incredible advancements, today's robotic systems leave some needs unmet:

• Hospitals often require multiple robots to support different procedures
• Surgeons can be locked into specific implant ecosystems
• OR teams face workflow disruptions and learning curves
• Cost barriers remain high for systems with narrow procedural focus

These gaps highlight a growing demand for next-generation platforms—robotics platforms that offer surgeons greater flexibility, clinical freedom, and long-term value.

The Future of Hard Tissue Robotics

The field of single-arm robots in hard tissue robotics has paved the way for important change. Now, the focus must shift toward systems that are:

• Versatile across multiple procedures
• Open-platform and implant-agnostic
• Designed for intuitive use and faster OR integration

At LEM Surgical, we believe the next chapter in surgical robotics will be defined by systems that empower surgeons, expand access, and drive better outcomes—and we're excited to be part of that future.

Want to stay informed as the next generation of robotics emerges? Visit www.lemsurgical.com for the latest insights.

Coming Next Month in Solaris Insights:

• The Cost of Inefficiency: Why Hospitals Need Versatile Robotic Solutions
• How AI is Shaping the Precision of Spine Surgeries
• Breaking Free from Implant Ecosystem Lock-Ins: The Future of Agnostic Robotics
• The Rise of Multi-Arm Systems in Orthopedic Robotics

Thank you for reading this edition of Solaris Insights! Drop us a comment if you liked it.