J&J doing the robot with Google

Johnson & Johnson's device company Ethicon is officially in partnership with Google's Life Sciences team in the field of surgical robotics

The aim is to establish a contemporary robot-assisted surgical platform for the operating room.

Robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive and is generally perceived to give surgeons greater control, access and accuracy during the procedure while minimising trauma and scarring.

Specifically, the two companies will start to develop new robotic tools and capabilities for surgeons and operating room professionals that integrate medical device technology with leading-edge robotic systems, imaging and data analytics.

“For more than 60 years, Ethicon has developed products and technologies that have transformed the way surgery is done,” said Gary Pruden, Worldwide Chairman, Global Surgery Group, Johnson & Johnson. “This collaboration with Google is another important step in our commitment to advancing surgical care, and together, we aim to put the best science, technology and surgical know-how in the hands of medical teams around the world.”

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015.