Google And Johnson & Johnson Likely To Collaborate For Developing A Break Through Technology

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Mar 31, 2015

Watching robots contributing heavily in changing human life style in movies has always been very mesmerizing, as we watch the robots accomplishing every piece of work that was earlier done manually. In reality, robots are now playing an important role, especially in the manufacturing line of business to improve production. It is interesting to note that mankind is taking a huge leap by involving use of robots in the medical field. Yes, Google Inc. (GOOG, Financial) has decided to shake hands with the health care giant Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, Financial) in order to develop a robot-assisted surgical program. Let’s discuss the details that have been made public to date on the partnership that is expected to be completed between April to June this year.

A major breakthrough in the cards

This partnership is surely being seen as a "smart" step undertaken by the search engine giant Google Inc because the timing couldn’t be better –Â when the medical market is already a thriving one. This collaboration would take place via Google X labs, which is the research unit of the company. Google X labs basically focus on developing breakthrough technologies. Sources have confirmed that Google X labs would work with the surgeries' subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Ethicon. Ethicon is presently involved into developing technologically advanced surgical devices. It is being speculated in all parlance that this opportunity could generate high revenues for both the companies in the long run.

“Through this collaboration, we are looking to provide surgeons with a technologically advanced system that would help them make the best, most informed decisions,” said Gary Pruden (worldwide chairman of global surgery group at Johnson & Johnson) in his talks with Engadget. Emphasizing on the accuracy of the surgeries to be assisted by the robots, he added, “The surgeon remains the ultimate decision maker, but they will have even more support with precision movements and data-enhanced decision-making tools.”

There is nothing new about this concept, though, as it has been prevalent for the past 20 years. But since the use of robots in surgery adds enormously to the investment cost, not every surgery makes use of such highly expensive robotic procedures. This is the main reason why robot-assisted surgeries aren’t a hit yet in the medical domain. These two companies involved, who are all set to fire up this technology, would make efforts to turn this innovative idea into a cost-effective one that would help in popularizing the practice of doing surgeries with the aid of robots.

The benefits of robotics need no explanation

It’s not the first time in the medical field that robotics technology would get tested, or that it would aid in doing surgeries in a better and organized manner. In fact, robotics-assisted surgeries have long been known to be more accurate as the surgery is done through robotic arms that aid in performing the operation with minimum human error; instead of the real surgeon doing it with his hand. Robotics-assisted surgery procedures help in preventing major blood loss after the operation besides reducing scarring and aiding in quick recovery of the patients. Also, it aids in performing the surgical operation with more accuracy and precision.

Parting words

Andy Conrad (head of the life sciences division at Google) told Bloomberg on Friday, “We look forward to exploring how smart software could help give surgeons the information they need at just the right time during an operation.”

This new move will take medical technology to new highs with enhanced precision and should see both the companies rake in good returns once the project passes through all the acid tests and is ready for a commercial launch. Until then it will be a wait and-watch scenario.