DePuy Synthes Introduces VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with AutoPlan to Advance Patient-Centric Knee Restoration

AutoPlan integrates surgeon's preferred alignment technique with patient data, to simplify and streamline the planning process and knee balancing¹

Research presented at AAHKS demonstrates 44% reduction in surgeon overall workload during surgical planning compared with manual planning²***

GRAPEVINE, Texas - NOVEMBER 6, 2026 - DePuy Synthes, a global leader in orthopaedic technologies and solutions, today announced the U.S. introduction of the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with AutoPlan, an automated planning capability designed to support the growing adoption of kinematic alignment techniques in total knee arthroplasty (TKA),^3,4 alongside new research presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) Annual Meeting.⁵ 

As demand for TKA grows,⁶ surgeons are increasingly exploring individualized alignment techniques focused on restoring native anatomy and knee function.⁷ At the same time, rising procedural volumes are placing greater demands on the orthopaedic workforce, with one U.S. study projecting a 56% increase in the annual TKA-to-orthopaedic-surgeon ratio between 2017 and 2050.⁸ Against this backdrop, technologies that help simplify surgical planning while supporting individualized approaches may become increasingly important.

“Today’s knee replacement patients expect more than pain relief. They want to return to the activities that matter most to them and regain confidence in how their knee feels and functions,” said Sharrolyn Josse, Global President of Joint Reconstruction, DePuy Synthes. “AutoPlan reflects our commitment to advancing technologies that support more personalized approaches to knee replacement, helping simplify surgical planning while keeping surgeons in control.”

Findings from a prospective study of 11 orthopaedic surgeons under simulated operative conditions comparing AutoPlan with conventional manual planning during TKA demonstrated reductions in surgeon workload and cognitive load, as well as improved planning efficiency, including:

• Reduced surgeon workload: VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with AutoPlan reduced overall surgical planning workload by 44% and mental demand by 55% (both p<0.001).^2**
• Reduced cognitive load: Using AutoPlan significantly reduced peak prefrontal cortex oxygenation by 27% and duration-dependent oxygenation by 37%, indicating reduction in maximum cognitive load and sustained concentration (p<0.02).^2*
• Improved planning efficiency: Using AutoPlan significantly improved click efficiency by an average of 25% (p<0.001).^2*

“Planning a knee replacement requires surgeons to consider multiple variables, particularly in complex cases,” said Kevin I. Perry, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic.^**** “These findings suggest automated planning can help reduce the demands associated with surgical planning while preserving the surgeon’s ability to evaluate and make the final clinical decisions.”

AutoPlan applies surgeon's pre-defined alignment and balance parameters to generate a kinematic alignment surgical plan.^3,9 With one touch, AutoPlan helps reduce manual adjustments while surgeons assess, refine, and approve the final plan.^3,9* The capability builds on DePuy Synthes’ broader Kinematic Restoration approach, bringing together the ATTUNE™ Knee System, VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution and surgical techniques to support personalized knee replacement.

Deployment is underway at select U.S. sites, with broader commercial expansion expected through the first quarter of 2027.

Experience AutoPlan at AAHKS 2026

AAHKS attendees are invited to visit DePuy Synthes at booth 1105 to experience the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with AutoPlan and explore the company's broader hip and knee restoration portfolio, including hands-on demonstrations of VELYS™ Hip Navigation with AI and other enabling technologies. Learn more and register for DePuy Synthes' activities at AAHKS 2026 at the AAHKS 2026 Event Hub.  

Important Information

Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use supplied with the device(s) for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.

About DePuy Synthes

At DePuy Synthes, we see the person beyond the procedure. That’s why we’ve built one of the most comprehensive orthopaedic portfolios in the world – to help people return to the moments that matter most. Our innovations – across joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery, and sports medicine – alongside the VELYS™ digital surgery portfolio, are engineered for performance and fine-tuned for feeling. Building on a 130+ year legacy of orthopaedic innovation focused on human needs, we partner with surgeons and healthcare professionals to deliver care for the body, that is felt most deeply in the heart. For more, visit this website.

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector’s global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopaedics, surgery and vision solutions at https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/. Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn.  

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution with AutoPlan and its anticipated broader U.S. commercial expansion. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson and/or DePuy Synthes. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; uncertainty of commercial success for new products; the ability of the company to successfully execute strategic plans; impact of business combinations and divestitures; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; and global health care reforms and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, www.investor.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither Johnson & Johnson nor DePuy Synthes undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.