First Clinical Use of Mako RPS
Stryker has begun its first clinical cases using a handheld robotic device for knee surgeries. The new system, called Mako RPS, is a miniaturised version of the company’s well-established Mako robotic platforms used in orthopaedic procedures.
Designed for Simplicity and Ease of Adoption
Speaking during a recent earnings call, Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo said the smaller robot is designed to be easier to use and to require minimal changes in workflow for surgeons and hospital staff. As a result, Mako RPS lowers the barrier to adoption compared with the traditional Mako system.
Expanding Access to New Customers and ASCs
According to Lobo, Mako RPS is expected to attract new customers who previously found the full Mako system too complex. In particular, the device is likely to appeal to ambulatory surgery centres (ASCs), where simplicity, efficiency, and space constraints are critical considerations. He noted that many surgeons who were not ready for the traditional Mako system still want an option that offers greater precision than manual instruments.
Upcoming Showcase at AAOS Meeting
As reported by Medtech Dive, Stryker plans to showcase Mako RPS at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in March. This public display will give surgeons and healthcare providers a closer look at the handheld robotic platform and its clinical potential.
Mako Robotics Approaching Standard of Care
Meanwhile, Stryker’s traditional Mako robotic system continues to gain strong momentum. According to BTIG analyst Ryan Zimmerman, the global installed base of Mako systems has surpassed 3,000 units, exceeding expectations set when Stryker acquired the technology in 2013.
Currently, more than two-thirds of Stryker’s knee procedures in the United States and nearly one-third of its U.S. hip procedures are performed using robotic assistance.
Next-Generation Mako Developments
Building on this growth, Stryker announced the fourth-generation Mako surgical robot last year. The company plans to expand its capabilities further by introducing a shoulder surgery feature—currently in limited launch on the Mako 3 system—to the Mako 4 platform by mid-2026.
A Long-Term Vision for Robotic Surgery
Looking ahead, Lobo expressed confidence in the long-term potential of robotic surgery. He stated that robotics could eventually become the standard of care, emphasising that he sees no practical limits to the growth of Stryker’s robotic business.