Santa Clara, California, August 17, 2026
Johnson & Johnson announced U.S. 510(k) regulatory clearance for MONARCH™ QUEST 3, the latest software update for its MONARCH™ Platform for robotically assisted bronchoscopy. The update is focused on improving planning, navigation and targeting of lung nodules, with new capabilities designed to support clinicians during complex bronchoscopic procedures. MONARCH QUEST 3 builds on Johnson & Johnson’s existing robotically assisted bronchoscopy technology and its continuous visualization, navigation and targeting capabilities, further advancing the platform’s role in the early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer
MONARCH QUEST 3 Enhances Lung Nodule Navigation
The latest software introduces several technology enhancements designed to improve procedural planning and navigation. AI-powered nodule segmentation is designed to automatically generate nodule boundaries during pre-procedural planning, while software improvements to registration and navigation are intended to help clinicians account for anatomical changes that may occur during bronchoscopy. MONARCH QUEST 3 also introduces a 3D Compass overlay, providing visual orientation between joystick controls and patient anatomy to support scope-tip navigation. In addition, expanded compatibility with commonly used mobile and fixed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging systems is intended to help clinicians manage CT-to-body divergence and improve targeting of lung nodules
Johnson & Johnson Expands AI-Powered Bronchoscopy
The MONARCH Platform is designed to provide robotically assisted access and visualization of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. Its technology combines a flexible robotic bronchoscope with continuous visualization, navigation and stable scope control to help physicians reach and biopsy suspicious lung nodules. MONARCH QUEST 3 continues Johnson & Johnson’s strategy of progressively expanding AI-powered planning and navigation while integrating advanced imaging technologies into the platform. The company said the latest update maintains continuous registration and real-time scope-tip tracking relative to patient anatomy throughout procedures.
Advertisement
MONARCH Platform Connects Robotics With Digital Surgery
Johnson & Johnson is also extending the MONARCH ecosystem through Polyphonic™, its open digital ecosystem designed to support surgical intelligence beyond individual procedures. Polyphonic for MONARCH can enable clinicians to review procedural volume data and collaborate through a centralized video library, with cases organized into a consistent format for review and learning. The company said MONARCH QUEST 3 represents another step in an ongoing innovation roadmap aimed at helping clinicians diagnose lung cancer earlier and with greater procedural confidence. The latest clearance follows multiple MONARCH Platform launches over the past 18 months, reinforcing Johnson & Johnson’s focus on software-enabled innovation in robotically assisted bronchoscopy.
Source:Johnson & Johnson press relese
