Mako Gets Bigger: Stryker Unifies Its Ortho Tech

Stryker launches Ortho Tech, merging Mako robotics and AI tools into one US orthopedic platform despite a costly cyberattack

27 May 2026

Stryker has restructured its orthopedics business, creating a unit called Ortho Tech that brings together its Mako robotic surgery system, enabling technologies, and orthopedic instruments. The move, announced alongside first-quarter 2026 results, reflects the company's view that robotics, analytics, and instrumentation now function as a single commercial platform rather than separate product lines.

The reorganisation came despite a difficult start to the year. A cyberattack in March halted global production for roughly three weeks, deferring an estimated $375 million in revenue. Stryker nonetheless recorded its strongest-ever first-quarter Mako installation figures, both domestically and abroad. Knee procedures grew 4.7 per cent. Hip procedures rose 3.7 per cent.

Chief executive Kevin Lobo held full-year guidance at 8 to 9.5 per cent organic growth, citing a healthy capital order book and no visible softening in hospital demand.

Stryker is also reaching surgical settings that were previously out of reach. Mako RPS, a handheld robotic device for total knee surgery, entered limited commercial launch in January, targeting ambulatory surgery centres constrained by cost and space. Mako Shoulder, running on the fourth-generation Mako 4 platform, is on track for a full launch by mid-year, adding shoulder replacement to the robotic portfolio.

Competitive pressure is building. Intuitive Surgical is extending into cardiac procedures, while Johnson & Johnson MedTech is advancing a robotic general surgery submission. Stryker management projects outgrowing the orthopedic market by 200 to 300 basis points. Tariff-related supply pressures and shifts in CMS reimbursement policy remain open questions, though neither has materially affected the capital order book entering the second quarter.

By consolidating data, devices, and outcomes analytics under Ortho Tech, Stryker is positioning Mako as the infrastructure layer for US orthopedic care, from academic medical centres down to ambulatory clinics.