Key points from article :
Chinese medtech company Ronovo Surgical has raised $67 million in Series D funding, with backing from Johnson & Johnson’s venture arm JJDC and other investors, to accelerate the rollout of its modular robotic surgery platform, Carina. The deal also includes a collaboration with J&J’s local subsidiary to integrate Ronovo’s technology with the medtech giant’s hardware in China, strengthening its position in the rapidly growing minimally invasive surgery market. With this latest round and a previously undisclosed Series C earlier in 2025, Ronovo has now secured over $100 million this year.
The Carina platform, approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration in March, is designed for flexibility, with up to five robotic arms mounted on separate wheeled carts. This modular design allows surgeons to adapt the system for different procedures across urology, gynecology, thoracic, and general surgery. Regulatory submissions are also underway in Europe and South America, signaling Ronovo’s ambition to expand internationally.
In a study published in Scientific Reports, Ronovo evaluated Carina in 19 urologic procedures, including kidney, prostate, and adrenal gland surgeries. All were completed robotically without needing to switch to manual techniques, although one patient experienced a complication requiring additional intervention. The results highlight both the platform’s safety and effectiveness, as well as areas for further refinement.
According to founder and CEO John Ma, Ph.D., the partnership with Johnson & Johnson MedTech provides not only capital but also a springboard for broader adoption of Carina. By combining innovative modular robotics with established surgical infrastructure, Ronovo aims to strengthen China’s position in robotic surgery and build momentum toward global markets.
