Johnson & Johnson MedTech has announced new advancements in the development of its robotics systems, using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to create simulated environments aimed at speeding up product innovation, optimizing clinical workflows, and improving training for clinical teams.
The company is integrating AI-driven simulation into the development of its MONARCH Platform for Urology. This technology allows virtual operating room environments to be created, which can help clinical teams set up the robotic system before procedures begin. Simulated patient anatomy and clinical scenarios are also generated to model kidney stone procedures, supporting learning and procedure planning. By leveraging NVIDIA Isaac for Healthcare and NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, Johnson & Johnson MedTech can build high-fidelity digital twins and applications that simulate how their systems may perform both in the operating room and inside a patient. Additionally, NVIDIA Cosmos world foundation models enable synthetic data generation with accurate, physics-based data.
“Simulation is the next frontier in surgical robotics,” said Neda Cvijetic, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Robotics & Digital R&D, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson. “With AI-driven simulation, we can create high-fidelity digital twins that adhere to the laws of physics, such that the simulation accurately anticipates the real world and ultimately unlocks physical AI capabilities. As we launch new robotics technologies and continue accelerating our innovation pipeline, these simulations have the potential to enhance our differentiated technology development in support of our mission to deliver better patient outcomes.”
The company states that creating physics-based simulations of the entire robotic system—including tower, cart, fluid management system, and instruments—will allow research and development teams to test new features and model real-world behavior. These digital assets will also support training efforts for clinical teams adopting the MONARCH Platform for Urology.
“This is an exciting development in our use of AI to shape our robotics portfolio and position the MONARCH Platform for Urology for success,” said Aleksandra Popovic, President, MONARCH, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson. “Our teams are convening the right technologies to capture value from data and shape new experiences with our systems before, during, and after surgery.”
The MONARCH Platform was first introduced as a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy solution using robotic control with a novel endoluminal scope-in-sheath architecture. This design helps clinicians locate and biopsy small nodules deep within the lung. The company recently launched MONARCH QUEST with AI-enhanced navigation software powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform.
The latest version of the MONARCH Platform focuses on urologic procedures and is expected to be commercially available in the United States in 2026. It provides endoscopic visualization and access within organs of the urinary tract through transurethral or percutaneous routes. The system supports various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using robotic assistance to allow surgeons precise instrument control during kidney stone procedures.
More information about the MONARCH Platform can be found at https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/product-family/monarch.
Instructions provided by Johnson & Johnson outline that complications from bronchoscopy may include breathing difficulty or more serious issues such as collapsed lung or heart attack. For urological uses like ureteroscopy or Mini-PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy), possible adverse effects range from pain or infection to major injuries requiring further intervention.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech highlights its long history in advancing surgical care through innovations across wound closure devices, hemostats, stapling instruments, robotics solutions, as well as digital health tools. The company collaborates globally with clinicians on solutions addressing needs in metabolic disease, cancer care, cardiovascular health, aesthetics and reconstruction.
For additional details about their global expertise across cardiovascular care, orthopaedics surgery solutions or vision products visit https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com.
The press release includes cautionary statements regarding forward-looking information related to collaborations such as those involving NVIDIA technology integration into medical platforms. Risks include uncertainty around product development timelines or regulatory approvals; competitive pressures; changes in healthcare regulation; potential recalls; patent challenges; among others outlined in recent filings available at www.sec.gov or www.jnj.com.