Ethicon, a medical device company owned by Johnson & Johnson, has entered a strategic collaboration with Google in the interest of building better minimally invasive surgical robots.

By combining their intellectual property and expertise, the two companies hope to find new ways to benefit surgeons, patients, and health care systems. Part of the approach will weigh in imaging and data analytics.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
"For more than 60 years, Ethicon has developed products and technologies that have transformed the way surgery is done," said Gary Pruden, worldwide chairman, Global Surgery Group, Johnson & Johnson, in a statement.

"This collaboration with Google is another important step in our commitment to advancing surgical care, and together, we aim to put the best science, technology and surgical know-how in the hands of medical teams around the world."

Like offerings from other minimally invasive surgical robot manufacturers, the equipment that comes from this partnership will aim to give surgeons greater control, access and accuracy during the procedure. For patients, less trauma and scarring will be associated with recovery.

The companies expect to close the transaction during the second quarter of 2015.

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