Johnson & Johnson Builds Connected MedTech Platforms Around AI and Robotics

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported second-quarter 2026 worldwide sales of $25.3 billion, an operational increase of 5.6%. Sales, excluding STELARA, grew at a double-digit rate. Innovative Medicine delivered growth of 6.8%, supported by product launches and demand across its medicine portfolio.

Adjusted net earnings increased 5.7% to $7.1 billion, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 4.7% to $2.90.

Technology received considerable attention as the company covered AI-enabled cardiovascular tools, surgical robotics, and connected treatment platforms to improve clinical workflows and product performance.

Why It Matters: Johnson & Johnson must balance governance requirements with continued innovation as it develops healthcare platforms that connect medical devices with software and clinical data. These technologies can strengthen digital capabilities, improve clinical efficiency, and support greater product differentiation across the healthcare industry.

• AI-Powered Imaging Enters the Electrophysiology Portfolio: Johnson & Johnson introduced CARTOSOUND SONATA during the quarter, adding AI-powered imaging and mapping capabilities to its electrophysiology business. The technology is designed to give physicians more information during cardiac procedures and support treatment planning. Management expects adoption in the United States to continue during the second half of 2026, as its rollout could help the company respond to competitive pressure in pulsed field ablation.

• Dual-Energy System Gives Physicians More Treatment Flexibility: Johnson & Johnson received FDA authorization for the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF platform, which combines pulsed field energy with radiofrequency energy in one system. Physicians can select the energy source that best fits the needs of each procedure, which may reduce the need to rely on separate technologies during treatment. Executives identified the launch as one of the factors expected to support improved MedTech performance during the remainder of the year.

• OTTAVA Connects Robotic Surgery With Clinical Analytics: OTTAVA was described by CEO Joaquin Duato as “one of the most significant MedTech innovations we will bring to market this decade.” The table-integrated robotic surgical system includes automation and robotic instruments developed for operating-room workflows and connects to Johnson & Johnson’s open digital ecosystem, which provides data-driven insights for surgical teams.

• MONARCH Expands the Company’s Robotics Portfolio: The company announced plans to launch MONARCH for Urology, subject to regulatory approval, to act as another entry into robotic procedures and complement its work on OTTAVA. MedTech leadership said the company intends to become a major participant in surgical robotics by drawing on its experience in surgery. Duato said the two platforms could contribute meaningfully to MedTech growth by the end of the decade.

• Device-Enabled Delivery Extends Technology Into Oncology Care: Johnson & Johnson discussed INLEXZO alongside an investigational erdafitinib device for bladder cancer treatment. The erdafitinib device is designed to provide three months of sustained medicine delivery, compared with the three-week delivery period associated with INLEXZO. Management said the platform could support additional medicines over time. The approach combines therapeutic development with device engineering to address different patient needs within bladder cancer care.

Go Deeper -> Johnson & Johnson’s Earnings Report – MarketBeat

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