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Smith & Nephew, British-based orthopedics giant, has expanded its foothold in the surgical robotics market with the $275 million acquisition of U.S.-based Blue Belt Technologies and its Navio robotics system. By combining its next-generation products with robotic technology, Smith & Nephew hopes to expand its market share and explore new surgical indications — all under the shadow of chatter about a potential takeover by Johnson & Johnson or Stryker.

Blue Belt Technologies — a spin-off of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute — has been growing the commercial success and expansion of Navio Surgical System, which provides robotic assistance in unicondylar or partial knee replacement surgeries. The portable system boasts hand-held, intelligent bone-shaping instruments and CT-free navigation software for accurate implant placement.

Olivier Bohoun, CEO of Smith & Nephew, remarked in a press release that robotic technology is the future of orthopedic surgery, and the acquisition of Blue Belt Technologies will help the next-generation of Smith & Nephew product offerings remain competitive.

“Our experience working with Blue Belt Technologies and our customer insight has convinced us that robotics will become increasingly mainstream across orthopedic reconstruction in the foreseeable future,” said Bohoun. “This acquisition is a compelling strategic move, with the combination of complementary products and R&D programs creating a platform from which we can shape this exciting new area of surgery.”

Read More – Source: Smith Nephew Shrugs Off Buyout Talk With 275M Blue Belt Technologies Acquisition

By Suzanne Hodsden