Robotics Company Proprio Partners with Biedermann Group

An artificial intelligence (AI) surgical technology company (and winner of OTW’s 2023 Best Technology in Spine Award) and a venerable, legacy spinal implant supplier have announced a partnership to integrate their respective technologies.

Seattle-based AI computer vision and robotics company Proprio has entered into a partnership with venerable German based Biedermann Group.

Proprio’s Paradigm system, which incorporates AI, computer vision, and augmented reality (AR) to provide real-time guidance to surgeons during spine surgery procedures. This system will be integrated with the Biedermann Group’s spinal implant technologies.

Proprio announced the partnership with the German based Biedermann Group earlier this month. OTW was able to speak with Proprio CEO and Co-Founder Gabriel Jones about the partnership.

According to Jones, the decision to partner with Biedermann, “Was driven by our shared vision to advance the field of spinal surgery through technology integration. By combining Biedermann’s expertise in implant systems with our AI-driven insights, the partnership aims to significantly enhance surgical accuracy and efficiency. Our collaboration targets the reduction of radiation exposure during procedures, a critical aspect of modern surgical advancements aimed at improving patient safety.”

Jones continued, “The partnership is designed to generate valuable intraoperative data, empowering surgeons with enhanced decision-making capabilities based on real-time insights, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and an enhanced overall surgical experience.”

OTW also spoke with Jones about the respective responsibilities of the partners. Jones explained, “In the initial phase of our partnership with the Biedermann Group, our primary focus is on research, particularly clinical research for adult and pediatric deformity. This phase involves extensive collaboration to lay the groundwork for our joint research efforts. The research component is pivotal as it enables us to delve deeply into the capabilities of surgeons when using the combined technologies of Biedermann’s advanced spinal implants and our AI-driven Paradigm system.”

Jones added, “We’re studying surgeons’ ability to align the spine precisely during procedures using these products compared to their usual methods. This analysis is crucial as spine alignment directly impacts surgical success and patient recovery, with misalignment increasing post-operative risks.”

Looking forward, this partnership may provide additional benefits for surgeons.

Jones hopes that surgeons will “Benefit from a seamless integration of Biedermann’s advanced spinal implants with our AI-driven Paradigm system, providing them with unparalleled visualization and guidance during procedures. This integration allows for precise surgical planning and execution, leading to improved accuracy in aligning the spine and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.”

Jones continued, “Additionally, the partnership targets the reduction of radiation exposure during procedures, ensuring the safety of both patients and surgical teams. Surgeons will have access to valuable intraoperative data generated by the integrated technologies, empowering them with enhanced decision-making capabilities based on real-time insights, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a higher standard of care.”