SAN JOSE, Calif., May 04, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Immersion Corporation (NASDAQ: IMMR), the leading innovator of haptic (touch feedback) technology, today announced that MAKO Surgical Corp. (NASDAQ: MAKO), a leading innovator in robotically-assisted orthopedic surgery, has obtained a worldwide license to Immersion’s haptic patents for use in its orthopedic robotic products. MAKO is the first surgical robotics licensee for Immersion.
Worldwide robotic markets amounted to $626.5 million in 2007, reached $1 billion in 2008, and are forecasted to achieve $14 billion by 2014. (Piribo). Building on its unique expertise and worldwide penetration in minimally invasive surgical advanced simulation, Immersion is deploying its TouchSense(R) technology in partnership with surgical robotics industry innovators like MAKO to help meet the anticipated demand for programmable haptics in this rapidly growing market segment. In effect, while converting from open to minimally invasive surgery, doctors are losing their ability to leverage their sense of touch during surgery. Market feedback indicates that haptics in robotically-assisted surgery is a key enabler for more accurate and intuitive surgery, and ultimately, safer patient outcome.
“MAKO shares our passion for delivering the finest, and most advanced user experience for surgeons and improved health care for patients,” said Clent Richardson, chief executive officer of Immersion. “As we work to make haptics a standard in the rapidly growing field of robotic surgery, partners like MAKO already see the value of touch feedback and how this measurably impacts both preparation and procedures to the great benefit of practitioners and patients alike.”
