Momentis Surgical :: Transforming Robotic Surgery Through Small-Footprint Technology

Momentis Surgical develops compact, cost-effective surgical robotic systems designed to make advanced minimally invasive procedures more accessible. Founded in 2013 by CEO Dvir Cohen and Professor Nir Shvalb, PhD, Momentis Surgical (formerly Memic Innovative Surgery) originated in Israel and later established a U.S. subsidiary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to support global commercialization. The company’s mission centers on transforming robotic surgery through small-footprint technology that delivers high dexterity while lowering costs and reducing the physical demands of traditional systems.

The core innovation lies in the humanoid-inspired design of the Anovo platform. Momentis Surgical’s flagship product, the Anovo™ Surgical System, features miniature robotic arms that closely replicate natural human shoulder, elbow, and wrist movements. These arms provide four degrees of freedom each and up to 360° of articulation and reach inside the body. This capability enables the transvaginal (natural orifice) approach for gynecologic procedures, allowing surgeons to enter through one incision rather than multiple abdominal ports. The result is improved triangulation, reduced tissue trauma, and the ability to use familiar surgical techniques such as the fundus-to-cervix method.

The system is exceptionally compact. The Robotic Control Unit weighs only 13 pounds, making it portable and simple to set up in any operating room. An open console gives the surgeon direct line of sight to the patient and easy verbal and visual communication with the OR team. Momentis Surgical designed the platform to be agnostic to existing equipment, allowing quick integration without major infrastructure changes. Key clinical indications cleared by the FDA include benign hysterectomy, salpingectomy, oophorectomy, adnexectomy, and ovarian cyst removal. A second-generation platform received FDA 510(k) clearance in late 2024, adding integrated haptic feedback for more intuitive control and dual-mode articulation supporting both retroflexion and anteflexion.

Beyond gynecology, Momentis Surgical has expanded into general surgery. Recent clearance allows use for ventral hernia repair, marking the first single-port robotic platform approved for this application. The small size and lower price point compared with large capital robotic systems open access for ambulatory surgery centers and smaller hospitals that previously could not afford or accommodate traditional robots.

Momentis Surgical emphasizes patient benefits such as smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and lower overall cost of care, while also addressing surgeon ergonomics and OR efficiency. The company holds a strong intellectual property portfolio with 16 granted U.S. patents and approximately 140 granted patents worldwide. Leadership includes Chairman Dr. Maurice R. Ferré, former founder and CEO of MAKO Surgical Corp., bringing decades of robotics experience.

Momentis Surgical has begun limited commercial placements in the U.S., with adoptions reported at HCA facilities in Florida and Texas. Training resources such as Momentis University support surgeons and staff. The company continues to pursue additional indications, including potential future expansion toward bariatric and other minimally invasive applications. By focusing on miniaturization and the transvaginal route, Momentis Surgical aims to bring the advantages of robotic assistance to more patients and providers while overcoming the size, cost, and access barriers that have limited broader adoption of robotic surgery.