Johnson & Johnson MedTech has revealed plans to submit its Ottava surgical robotics platform to the FDA for investigational trials in 2024, bringing the company one step closer to entering the growing market for robotic surgery.

First unveiled in 2020, Ottava incorporates four robotic arms into a standard operating table for greater mobility and access during procedures. This unified "invisible" design aims to eliminate bulky equipment intruding on the surgical workflow.

The robotic arms stow beneath the table when not in use, while twin motion control synchronizes table and arm movements to enable seamless repositioning. J&J claims this architecture removes barriers to team communication and flexibility to suit individual patient needs.

Ethicon instruments on the system provide robust performance and tactile feedback similar to manual laparoscopic tools. According to J&J, familiar tools and streamlined workflows will shorten learning curves for adoption.

After past timeline delays, Ottava's IDE submission and studies beginning in 2024 will evaluate safety and effectiveness ahead of potential commercialization.

"Ottava reimagines the surgical experience," said J&J's Hani Abouhalka. "The system is designed to create space in the OR, simplify complex workflows, enable flexibility and deliver trusted performance."

J&J is confident Ottava can make robotic surgery more consistent, reliable and accessible globally. The company built on its expertise in minimally invasive devices to engineer a next-generation platform it believes will set new standards for surgical robotics.

If cleared by the FDA after clinical trials, Ottava would expand options in the field dominated by Intuitive Surgical. Multiple companies have attempted to challenge Intuitive with newer platforms, but Ottava's unique architecture could give J&J an edge. The company aims to fulfill its vision of personalized robotic surgery tailored to individual needs.