Google to develop robot surgical devices with J&J

Google Inc is joining forces with Johnson & Johnson to develop a robotic-assisted surgical programme, moving into a growing field of medicine as the search-engine giant expands its health care investments.

The companies will explore ways to add advanced imaging and sensors to surgical tools, helping doctors during operations. The partnership is through the life-sciences division of Google X labs, the company's research unit that has funded projects such as self-driving cars.

"We look forward to exploring how smart software could help give surgeons the information they need at just the right time during an operation," Andy Conrad, head of the life sciences team at Google, said in a statement Friday. Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

"This collaboration with Google is another important step in our commitment to advancing surgical care," Gary Pruden, worldwide chairman of New Brunswick, New Jersey-based J&J's global surgery group, said in a statement.

Robotic surgeries have been growing in popularity, and the pact will help J&J, the world's largest maker of health care products, better compete against companies like Intuitive Surgical Inc, a major participant in the industry. Still, such procedures aren't without risks.

A 2013 complaint by the Colorado Medical Board alleged patients suffered injuries or complications from robotic surgeries including punctured or torn arteries.

Intuitive said procedures grew at a rate of 9 per cent in 2014 and that it expects growth of 7 per cent to 10 per cent in 2015. The company's system is used for a range of surgeries including colo-rectal surgery and hernia repair.