Kinova signs contract with Auris to continue supporting advanced robotic surgery
Private robotics developer Kinova announced a five-year agreement for the production and development of robots with Auris Health, a subsidiary of Ethicon, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices since 2019, with an option to extend it by another three years.
Under the agreement, Kinova will continue supporting Auris in expanding the MONARCH platform, using the company's capabilities and experience to deliver integrated and cost-effective robotic solutions.
In 2015, Kinova entered into a strategic agreement with Auris for the MONARCH platform, the first robotic technology of its kind designed for use in diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
Under this agreement, Kinova worked with the Auris team to define and develop a specialized robotic arm that will help achieve significant progress in surgery.
“A key part of Kinova's vision is using medical robotics to achieve optimal patient outcomes and give people access to more advanced tools. We have worked with the Auris team to develop groundbreaking robotic solutions over the past six years, and we are pleased to continue our strategic agreement to help push the boundaries of surgery. The MONARCH platform clearly demonstrates Kinova's ability to support robotization through strategic partnership and joint efforts with global leaders in medical equipment. Robotics has evolved, and a new generation of connected and integrated robots has emerged, and we aim to give companies the opportunity to fully take advantage of this advantage”
"If your doctor has found a spot on your lung, often called a small growth or nodule, you may need testing to find out what it is. This is called a lung biopsy. While most lung nodules are not cancer, it is important to find out what they are. There are several options for accessing small nodules in the lungs. These small growths can be very difficult to reach with manual bronchoscopes. The MONARCH platform with robotic bronchoscopy was introduced in 2018 to help physicians reach hard-to-reach nodules for biopsy," Auris said.
The MONARCH platform technology combines the latest advances in robotic control, miniature instruments, endoscope design, machine vision and data processing in one platform. For the first time, physicians have both direct vision and software that allows them to guide the endoscope to a small mass.
Auris has introduced a unique design that has revolutionized endoscopic technology. This telescopic design provides the support and stability physicians need when advancing the endoscope into hard-to-reach areas of the lungs. The device is designed to give the physician a view throughout the entire procedure.
A special controller gives the physician full control over the robotic bronchoscope, allowing them to make the very precise movements required when navigating small areas of the bronchial tree.
Kinova, headquartered in Boisbriand (a suburb of Montreal, Quebec, Canada), is a leader in innovative robotics. Founded in 2006, the company designs and manufactures robots for various markets, including medical robotics, assistive robotics, research and education, and more recently industrial and professional automation.
Kinova's original technology enhances and expands customer capabilities through a human-centered approach to meet the growing need for robotics in increasingly complex industries.
In February 2022, Kinova raised $48 million in funding. The funds will be used to accelerate the development and commercialization of solutions. The company will also use the funds to expand engineering resources to meet customer needs worldwide.
The funding was raised in two separate investment rounds. The $32 million investment was made by Graham Partners with participation from Export Development Canada (EDC). Another round totaling $16 million was led by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
“Kinova is expected to benefit from Graham Partners' deep experience in medical and industrial technologies, as well as its experience deploying automation solutions across its portfolio of advanced manufacturing and industrial companies. Graham Partners will use its industry resources, operational expertise and commercial knowledge to support Kinova's growth”
Managing Director at Graham Partners Dennis Dunegan said: "We believe Kinova's cobot technology and expertise in both medical and industrial applications are unique in the robotics industry. We are excited to use our experience to help create value and drive growth at Kinova."
“Canadians develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and our government will always support them. Kinova's robotic products demonstrate this type of innovation, and we are proud to support them as they expand manufacturing, create high-quality jobs, and help strengthen Canada's global leadership in the next generation of robots”
