Photos: First look at J&J’s Ottava surgical robot

First look at J&J’s Ottava surgical robot">

Johnson & Johnson’s Ottava surgical robot has four robotic arms that come out from underneath the operating table. Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson MedTech unveiled its long-awaited Ottava surgical robot after winning FDA de novo authorization . It’s the world’s first table-integrated, soft-tissue robotics system.

The robot-in-table design is meant to save space in the operating room, with J&J saying its n ovel architecture takes up 30-50% less space than boom-and-cart systems.

“Ottava’s robotic arms are built directly into the operating table and can be tucked beneath it when not in use, reducing friction and opening space to support clinical workflow,” the company says.

“Software, motors and sensors coordinate the system’s four robotic arms, allowing Ottava to move into predefined procedural positions at the push of a button,” the company continued. “By automating portions of setup and breakdown, the system is designed to save time, simplify workflows, and create a more consistent experience for surgical teams.”

Johnson & Johnson’s Ottava table with the robotic arms stowed [Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

Citing a survey that found 83% of surgeons reported at least one inadvertent suture cut per month in their robotic surgeries, J&J developed a two-in-one needle driver with a surgeon-activated “cut only” and “suture only” modes.

The Ottava surgical robotic system’s instrument lineup Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

And citing another survey that found 98% of surgeons reported dull or poorly cutting monopolar scissors (and 30% “experiencing this all or most of the time”), J&J said it used a patented scissor design that “maintains blade alignment for a consistent, complete cut, even when taking small bites during sharp dissection using the distal 1/3 of the jaw.”

The surgeon controlling those instruments works in a console where they can “sit upright while maintaining access to the full workspace.”

The Ottava surgical robot’s two-in-one needle driver instrument [Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson

Surgeons can save personalized settings that are available when they log into the console.

The Ottava surgical robot’s end scissors Photo credit: Johnson & Johnson