iotaMotion Expands Robotic Cochlear Implant Technology Internationally with Swiss Clinical Trial
核心洞察
iotaMotion (搜索)'s iotaSOFT Insertion System has been used for the first time outside the United States in a clinical investigation at University Hospital of Zurich (搜索) led by Professor Alexander Huber.
The robotic-assisted cochlear implant (搜索) technology has completed more than 750 cases in the United States across 25+ centers and received a new U.S. patent strengthening the company's intellectual property portfolio.
The Swiss study analyzes the relationship between electrode insertion dynamics and cochlear function using real-time electrocochleography, potentially advancing cochlear implant (搜索) programming and hearing preservation strategies.
iotaMotion (搜索) has achieved a significant international milestone with the first use of its robotic-assisted cochlear implant (搜索) technology outside the United States, marking a pivotal expansion for the St. Paul-based medical technology company. The iotaSOFT Insertion System is now being evaluated in a pre-market clinical investigation at University Hospital of Zurich (搜索) under the leadership of Professor Alexander Huber.
International Clinical Investigation Launches
The Swiss study, titled "Analysis of electrocochleographic signals during speed-controlled cochlear implant (搜索) electrode array insertion in a non-randomized controlled trial," represents a breakthrough approach to cochlear implantation. The investigation leverages the robotic system's unprecedented control of electrode array insertion to optimize intracochlear recordings using real-time electrocochleography (ECochG).
"Bringing this new robotic-assisted technology for cochlear implantation to University of Zurich was extremely important to our team," said Professor Huber. "It will enable us to continue to advance cochlear implant (搜索) care and explore techniques that have never been used clinically prior to this study."
The study focuses on analyzing the relationship between electrode insertion dynamics and cochlear function as measured by ECochG signals, potentially paving the way for future advancements in cochlear implant (搜索) programming and hearing preservation strategies.
Proven Commercial Success in the United States
The iotaSOFT Insertion System has demonstrated substantial clinical adoption in the United States, with more than 750 successful insertions completed at over 25 centers nationwide. The technology is designed to provide slow and consistent electrode array insertion while preserving delicate intracochlear structures.
"This represents a major milestone for iotaMotion (搜索) as we expand outside of the United States with our technology," said Mike Lobinsky, President & CEO of iotaMotion. "The team in Zurich has been an exceptional partner, and we look forward to continuing our relationship."
Intellectual Property Strengthened
iotaMotion (搜索) recently received U.S. Patent No. 12,311,173, which covers systems for utilizing separate positioning and power components to streamline the intraoperative use of robotically controlled positioning. This patent strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio and supports its mission to advance cochlear implant (搜索) surgery beyond human capability.
"This patent represents a significant milestone for iotaMotion (搜索) as we continue to build out our IP portfolio and expand our technology roadmap," said Lobinsky.
NIH Grant Support Drives Innovation
The company has secured multiple Phase I NIH grants leveraging its core technology platform. One grant was awarded to Qualia Oto (搜索) to evaluate potential applications for robotic assistance in array insertion using novel shape-changing polymers. A second grant supports iotaMotion (搜索)'s development of navigation-based cochlear implant (搜索) insertion to optimize trajectory during insertion.
"We are proud to see our industry-leading efforts recognized through this patent. Alongside recent grant-funded initiatives, this milestone reinforces the role our technology plays in both clinical practice and advancing research to shape the future of cochlear implantation," said Costa Nikou, Chief Technology Officer at iotaMotion (搜索).
Future Market Expansion
While the iotaSOFT Insertion System remains under pre-market clinical investigation internationally, wider availability outside the United States is planned for 2026. The company continues to advance the field of cochlear implantation through partnerships with academic and industry collaborators, with expectations that cochlear implantation will integrate robotic assistance with enabling technologies such as navigation and electrocochleography.