DePuy Synthes Bets on RF Tech to Lead Robotic Surgery

RAYNHAM, Mass. – May 26, 2026 – DePuy Synthes, the orthopedics powerhouse of Johnson & Johnson, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire rights to a potentially game-changing technology that could redefine precision in robotic-assisted surgery. The company will integrate Gemtrack, a miniature Radiofrequency (RF) tracking system from French innovator MinMaxMedical, across its portfolio of shoulder, hip, and knee replacement solutions.

The move signals a deliberate strategic shift away from the prevailing tracking methods used in operating rooms today. By embracing RF technology, DePuy Synthes aims to unchain surgeons from the limitations of current systems and establish a new industry benchmark for its VELYS™ Digital Surgery platform, pending regulatory approvals.

A New Paradigm for Surgical Precision

For years, the gold standard in surgical robotics and navigation has relied on infrared optical cameras. Systems from major players like Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, and Smith+Nephew primarily use this technology, which functions like a high-tech GPS for surgical instruments. However, it has a critical vulnerability: it requires a constant, clear line of sight between the camera and trackers placed on the patient and tools. In the often-crowded environment of an operating room, a surgeon’s hand, a tool, or a team member can momentarily block this line of sight, causing interruptions that can disrupt the surgical flow.

Furthermore, these systems often necessitate attaching bulky arrays to the patient’s body using invasive surgical pins drilled into the bone. While effective, this adds a layer of trauma to the procedure.

Gemtrack's RF technology promises to eliminate these fundamental challenges. By using radio waves, it can track instruments continuously and accurately without needing a direct line of sight, much like a modern Wi-Fi signal passes through walls. This allows for uninterrupted tracking even when instruments are obscured by the patient's own tissue or the surgeon's movements. The miniature nature of the Gemtrack trackers also aims to reduce or eliminate the need for the large, invasive pin arrays, potentially leading to less soft-tissue damage and a more streamlined surgical setup.

Strategic Chess in the Orthopedic Robotics Arena

This acquisition is far more than a simple technology upgrade; it is a calculated maneuver in the fiercely competitive orthopedic robotics market, a sector projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2024 to over $8.3 billion by 2034. By targeting the core limitations of its competitors' systems, DePuy Synthes is positioning its VELYS platform as a more flexible and efficient alternative.

The technology will be integrated into the VELYS™ Enabling Tech Portfolio, a connected ecosystem that already includes robotic-assisted solutions for knee arthroplasty and navigation for hips. The addition of RF tracking is designed to create a more robust and versatile platform that is less dependent on specific operating room logistics.

“This new collaboration will be applied broadly to the VELYS ecosystem to reduce the reliance on line-of-sight dependent navigation and offering the potential for improved navigation precision,” said Namal Nawana, Worldwide President of DePuy Synthes, in the company's official announcement. The statement underscores the strategic intent to leverage this technology as a key differentiator.

The move also comes at a pivotal time for the company. Parent Johnson & Johnson has signaled its intention to separate its orthopedics division, and bolstering DePuy Synthes' technological leadership with unique, proprietary assets like Gemtrack could significantly increase its value and competitive standing as a potential standalone entity or acquisition target.

The Innovator Behind the Technology

Central to this deal is the long-standing relationship between DePuy Synthes and the innovator behind Gemtrack, Stéphane Lavallée. Lavallée, a renowned pioneer in medical robotics and founder of MinMaxMedical, has a proven track record of developing transformative technologies. This is not his first successful collaboration with the Johnson & Johnson MedTech giant.

Lavallée was the founder of Orthotaxy, a French company that developed a robotic-assisted surgical solution that became a cornerstone of the VELYS platform after Johnson & Johnson acquired it in 2018. His deep expertise and previous successful integrations lend significant credibility to the potential of Gemtrack. MinMaxMedical itself is a hotbed of innovation, holding numerous patents in AI-based imaging, augmented reality, and next-generation robotics, making this partnership a fusion of established market leadership and agile, cutting-edge research.

From the Lab to the Operating Room

The ultimate goal of this technological leap is to translate engineering advantages into tangible benefits for both surgeons and patients. For surgeons, the promise is a smoother, more ergonomic workflow. The freedom from line-of-sight constraints means fewer interruptions and less need to contort their bodies or adjust their approach to accommodate the tracking system, allowing them to focus more intently on the patient.

For patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, the implications are profound. More accurate, continuous tracking can lead to more precise bone cuts and implant placement, which are critical factors for the long-term success and longevity of a new joint. A more accurate fit can mean better joint mechanics, a more natural feel, and a lower chance of needing a revision surgery down the road. Furthermore, the reduced reliance on invasive pins could mean less post-operative pain and faster recovery times.

Before Gemtrack-enabled devices can reach the operating room, they must navigate the rigorous regulatory pathways of the FDA in the United States and other global health authorities. DePuy Synthes must demonstrate not only the technology's efficacy and safety but also its ability to coexist with the complex electronic environment of a modern hospital without interference. While the company has not announced a specific timeline, the definitive agreement marks the official start of a journey to bring this next-generation technology to market and potentially change how joint replacement surgery is performed for years to come.