The orthopedics specialist aims to launch a knee robot in late 2028, followed by a shoulder robot in 2029.
Enovis has two segments, one that makes medical devices for the surgical repair of bones and joints and another that offers products for rehabilitation, pain management and physical therapy. With orthopedic rivals such as J&J and Stryker launching surgical robots, Enovis CEO Damien McDonald told investors on an earnings call last month that “enabling tech will be foundational to our long-term growth strategy.”
Buying eCential will position Enovis to add robotics capabilities to its Astra enabling technology system, which currently includes an augmented reality headset and procedure planning software. Enovis aims to launch a knee robot in late 2028 and introduce a shoulder robot in 2029. Because eCential produced systems including J&J’s Velys, BTIG said they believe “market acceptance is de-risked.”
The planned knee device has “subtle nuances with features” that will differentiate it from rival robots, Louie Vogt, group president of the reconstructive business group at Enovis, said on a call with investors to discuss the deal. Vogt and his colleagues see bigger differences in the shoulder sector, which is served by Smith & Nephew’s Cori, Stryker’s Mako and Zimmer Biomet’s Rosa.
“Currently, the form factor and robotic offering in shoulder is suboptimal,” McDonald said on the call. “We believe developing a robot with eCential Robotics that carries advantages such as a robotic arm with seven degrees of freedom will differentiate our offering in the market.”
Nick Paul Taylor | MEDTECH DIVE
Image Credit: ECential Robotics