I try to explore the truth here. Consistently I try to expose the false promise of most large robotics systems.
I agree however, that one day in the future, surgical robots will be tiny, not noticeable, and actually improve outcomes and same money.
We are not there today.
While we can all envision a future where surgical robots are microscopic, seamless, and cost-saving, that future hasn't arrived. Today’s systems are less about the "future of medicine" and more about "captive business" for Big Ortho. Despite the hype, 2025–2026 financial data reveals a sobering reality: hospitals are often losing money on every case they touch.
Today's robots are marketing tools for hospitals and captive business for the Big Orthos. Today, let's look at the Robotics Tax that is often overlooked.
The marketing for orthopedic robotics has successfully positioned million-dollar platforms as the gold standard for clinical excellence. However, a growing body of 2025–2026 financial data reveals a more complicated reality: the "Robotics Tax." While these systems offer precise alignment, the cumulative cost of adoption often exceeds the reimbursement gains, leading to a net loss on a per-case basis.
1....
