Zimmer extends robotic surgery distribution deal

Surgeons and medical staff in a sterile operating room conducting a surgical procedure. Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels

Zimmer Biomet has extended its exclusive distribution agreement with Think Surgical, a deal that allows Zimmer to continue distributing an exclusive version of Think’s TMINI wireless handheld miniature robotic system.

The extended agreement builds on a partnership signed in 2024, with Zimmer’s CEO, Ivan Tornos, previously noting that TMINI serves customers who prefer CT scanning capabilities during robotic cases. TMINI and Rosa, Zimmer’s own robotic knee system, were named as drivers of record capital sales in the second quarter of 2026.

Brad Kessler, president of robotics, technology, and data at Zimmer, said TMINI “addresses the needs of our customers who want a wireless, handheld robotic system for use with the Persona knee system.” Kessler framed the relationship with Think as part of Zimmer’s efforts to have a broad and flexible robotic portfolio.

The extended distribution agreement comes as Think works to drive internal sales of the device, which was used in its 5,000th procedure in May. Think raised $65 million in growth capital in July and appointed Rick McDowell as vice president of sales in September. McDowell will lead Think’s national sales organization, with the company planning to use the financing proceeds to advance its dual-channel commercial strategy.

While Zimmer has an exclusive version of TMINI for its Persona knee system, the device is compatible with about 70% of the market share for total knee implants, according to Think. The new agreement covers a multi-year period, although neither company has provided a more exact time frame for the next phase of the relationship.