LONDON, United Kingdom, June 8, 2026
Smith+Nephew has announced the successful completion of the first clinical procedures using its next-generation CORI◊ XT Handheld Robotics Platform, marking a significant advancement in robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery. The milestone includes the first clinical applications of the platform in both knee and shoulder arthroplasty, demonstrating the versatility of the company’s latest handheld robotic technology across multiple joint replacement procedures. Designed as a single robotics platform capable of supporting partial to revision knee procedures, shoulder arthroplasty, and future hip applications, the CORI XT Platform represents Smith+Nephew’s vision of integrating advanced robotics into routine orthopedic care while preserving surgeon control, clinical decision-making, and procedural efficiency. The launch further strengthens the company’s growing Musculoskeletal Technologies to Enhance Care and Healing (MTECH) portfolio and highlights the expanding role of robotics in improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.
First Clinical Cases Demonstrate Multi-Joint Robotic Capability
The first shoulder arthroplasty procedures utilizing the CORI XT Platform were performed at Duke Health under the leadership of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Christopher Klifto, using the platform in combination with the AETOS◊ Shoulder System. The technology supports handheld robotic execution of both humeral and glenoid preparation across anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement procedures. According to the surgical team, early imaging results demonstrated strong alignment between preoperative planning and achieved surgical outcomes.
The platform was subsequently introduced into the ambulatory surgery center environment by Dr. Bertrand Kaper at North Valley Surgery Center in Arizona, demonstrating its adaptability across multiple healthcare settings. These initial cases underscore the growing demand for technologies capable of delivering greater procedural consistency while supporting personalized treatment strategies. Experts believe robotic assistance in shoulder arthroplasty has the potential to enhance implant positioning accuracy, improve reproducibility, and contribute to better long-term outcomes for patients suffering from shoulder arthritis and degenerative joint disease.
CORI XT Brings Robotics to Knee Replacement Surgery
Advertisement
In addition to shoulder procedures, the first knee replacement surgeries using the CORI XT Platform were completed at NYU Langone Health by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ran Schwarzkopf. These procedures mark the first clinical use of the next-generation robotic platform in knee arthroplasty and represent an important step in the broader commercialization strategy for the technology. The handheld robotic system is designed to provide surgeons with advanced guidance and execution capabilities while maintaining the familiarity of traditional surgical workflows. Unlike larger robotic systems that require extensive operating room modifications, the CORI XT Platform features a compact footprint and mobility that support efficient implementation in both hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers.
The technology integrates with CORIOGRAPH◊ Pre-Operative Planning and Modeling Services, enabling patient-specific surgical planning while facilitating real-time intraoperative decision-making. This combination of planning intelligence and robotic execution is intended to improve implant alignment, surgical accuracy, and workflow efficiency without adding operational complexity.
Expanding the Future of Robotic Orthopedic Surgery
The introduction of the CORI XT Platform reflects broader trends within orthopedic surgery, where healthcare providers increasingly seek technologies that enhance precision while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Smith+Nephew’s “Skill Amplified” approach focuses on using robotics to complement surgeon expertise rather than replace it, ensuring that clinicians retain tactile feedback, procedural control, and clinical judgment throughout surgery. As demand for joint replacement procedures continues to rise globally, technologies capable of improving consistency and supporting personalized treatment pathways are expected to play an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery.
The successful completion of the first clinical cases demonstrates the platform’s readiness for wider adoption and reinforces Smith+Nephew’s commitment to advancing orthopedic innovation. With future applications in hip arthroplasty already under development, the CORI XT Platform positions the company at the forefront of next-generation robotic surgery and signals a new phase in the evolution of precision musculoskeletal care.
Source: Smith+Nephew press release
