The global market for robotically assisted systems (RAS) is expected to reach $5.3bn by 2021, a CAGR of 11.7%. Meddevicetracker expects this hot market, long-dominated by Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci systems, to see rising competition from innovative companies developing robotic systems that are smaller, portable and less costly and offer surgeons innovative features that allow them to perform even more precise and user-friendly, complex surgeries. In this feature, we'll take a closer look at the overall market, highlighting the competitive landscape as well as limiters and growth opportunities. We'll also take a deep dive into RAS systems and their applications. Surgeons of various specialties provide key insights about the pros and cons of different systems.

Despite ongoing economic pressures, the worldwide orthopedic market grew 3% in 2014, reaching $34.7 billion. Although consolidation continues to cause uncertainty and disruption in this space, manufacturers at this year’s AAOS meeting were upbeat about the future as they brace for changes in the competitive landscape, health care delivery, and reimbursement.