Surgical robotics has reshaped healthcare in many ways. Yet when it comes to hard tissue procedures—like orthopedic and spine surgeries—the industry is still growing and evolving.

Today, most robotic systems designed for hard tissue applications are built around single-arm platforms. These technologies aim to help surgeons achieve greater precision, better alignment, and more consistent outcomes when working with dense, rigid structures like bones and joints.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current landscape of single-arm robots in hard tissue robotics, providing an educational overview of the systems leading the way.

 

Why Hard Tissue Robotics Matters

Unlike soft tissue surgeries—which deal with organs and more flexible structures—hard tissue procedures involve bones, ligaments, and joints. These surgeries demand:

  • Highly accurate cutting and drilling
  • Precise implant placement
  • Stable, repeatable navigation throughout the procedure

Robotic assistance has become an important tool for supporting these needs. But many of today’s systems are still limited in scope, typically focusing on just one procedure or anatomical area.

 

Single-Arm Robots Leading the Market

Here’s a snapshot of some of the top single-arm robotic systems currently available for hard tissue procedures:

Stryker Mako

  • Focus: Total hip, total knee, and partial knee replacements
  • Key Strength: Combines preoperative CT imaging with intraoperative guidance
  • Design: Single robotic arm with haptic (force-feedback) technology to control cuts

Zimmer Rosa

  • Focus: Total knee, partial knee, and some spine procedures
  • Key Strength: Image-guided workflow without requiring preoperative CT scans (optional)
  • Design: Single-arm navigation combined with robotic bone preparation

J&J Velys

  • Focus: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
  • Key Strength: Focuses on real-time soft tissue balancing during surgery
  • Design: Single robotic assistance arm supporting precise bone resections

Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition

  • Focus: Spine surgery (thoracic, lumbar, sacral levels)
  • Key Strength: Preoperative planning combined with real-time robotic execution
  • Design: Single-arm robotic guidance for pedicle screw placement

Globus ExcelsiusGPS

  • Focus: Spine and orthopedic trauma surgeries
  • Key Strength: Combines robotic guidance with navigation in a single platform
  • Design: Single-arm robotic control system integrated with real-time imaging

 

 

Image is AI Generated

Common Traits of Today’s Single-Arm Robotic Systems

Across all these platforms, a few trends are clear:

  • Procedure Specificity: Most systems are built around a single joint or procedure type
  • Closed Ecosystems: Many robots work best (or only) with a limited set of implant brands
  • Navigation Integration: Combining real-time imaging with robotic action is becoming standard
  • Physical Footprint: Most systems prioritize a compact OR presence with a single mechanical arm

 

Where Opportunity Still Exists

While single-arm robotics has improved many aspects of hard tissue surgery, important gaps remain:

  • Limited Versatility: Hospitals often need multiple robots to handle different procedures
  • Restricted Surgeon Choice: Some systems lock users into specific implant lines
  • Workflow Disruption: Setup and usage can still be time-consuming
  • Cost Barriers: High capital investment for a narrow set of surgical applications

These realities point to a growing need for the next generation of robotic systems—solutions that are more flexible, open, and adaptable to the evolving demands of orthopedic and spine care.

 

Looking Ahead

The landscape of single-arm robots in hard tissue robotics has advanced rapidly, but it’s clear that innovation is still needed. As technology evolves, there is a strong opportunity to rethink what robotic systems can deliver: broader procedural support, greater efficiency, and more surgeon-centered design.

At LEM Surgical, we believe the future of hard tissue robotics will be defined by flexibility, intelligence, and surgeon freedom—and we’re committed to helping shape that future.

Want to stay ahead of the next evolution in surgical robotics?
Explore more insights at www.lemsurgical.com.

This article is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or comparative claim against any referenced systems.