The Impact of AI and Robotics on Medical Devices in Latin America

By Mariana Romero Roy

Artificial intelligence is already being widely adopted in the healthcare industry globally and in Latin America. Doctors are beginning to use AI for assistance in confirming diagnoses and clinical decisions, and they are enhancing the efficiency of image analysis, drug development, genome sequences and more.

In the diagnostic and surgical spaces, we’re now seeing AI being paired with robotic technology in a growing number of instances. These developments are enhancing the precision of surgery, producing more successful outcomes and even enabling remote operations.

AI Movement in the Industry

In the medical device market, many manufacturers are actively integrating artificial intelligence into their product ecosystems. A growing number of these companies are collaborating with AI leaders like Nvidia. General Electric, for instance, has integrated AI into its SonoSAMTrack research model, developed alongside Nvidia, which allows for simplified tracking of organs, tissues or abnormalities across varying imaging formats. Other major players, including Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Moon Surgical and Arrow Electronics are also leveraging Nvidia’s AI in their offerings.

GE has recently shared additional AI-related developments, such as its acquisition of the clinical AI software division of Intelligent Ultrasound Group PLC. The company also unveiled Revolution RT, a CT imaging platform powered by AI, aimed at delivering improved image precision.

Medtronic has made headlines too, announcing new AI collaborations — most notably with Nvidia — to co-develop an AI framework that powers the GI Genius endoscopy tool. AI has also been embedded into Medtronic’s Touch Surgery Live Stream, designed to enhance post-surgical review of laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures.

In the diagnostic space, powerful AI tools like IBM’s Watson for Health and Google’s DeepMind Health are streamlining diagnoses, as well as medical breakthroughs. With their powerful databases of medical information and machine learning technology, they can assess medical problems and provide possible solutions much more quickly.

AI’s Impact on Medical Technology

It’s evident that AI is reshaping not only the delivery of care but also the innovation behind medical technology. A review of recent data underlines the rapid momentum of this trend. The integration of AI into medical equipment and devices is only expected to accelerate moving forward:

• 882 – FDA-cleared medical devices currently equipped with AI functionality
• 1,000% – Increase in FDA-cleared AI devices since 2020
• 128 – Radiology-specific AI devices approved in May 2024 alone
• 80% – Portion of AI medical devices focused primarily on imaging systems

AI + Robotics

Robotics have been used in healthcare for more than 30 years in every application from simple laboratory functions to highly complex surgical procedures. Now, the integration of AI with robotics is breathing new life into these medical devices. AI algorithms integrated into surgical robotics, for example, can greatly enhance surgical precision and reduce margin of error. Some reports are showing surgical incisions with sub-millimeter accuracy.

Robotic devices can also assist humans when fatigue sets in during complex procedures that last for several hours. Humans can focus on the decision-making aspects of the procedure and rely on robotic tools to carry out the complex tasks at hand with incredible precision.

What’s more, the use of AI and robotics can even enable surgeons to do something once thought impossible: Conduct surgeries remotely with the use of complex robotic tools. In the future, this could remove the geographical barriers related to some procedures, as surgeons will be able to treat people in other cities or even countries.

Challenges & Opportunities in Latin America

The AI healthcare market is not as advanced in many Latin American countries as it is in countries like the United States, but it’s already beginning to make up ground. Startups like Entelai are leading the way with AI-based solutions in brain imaging, chest X-rays and mammography. Major healthcare institutions in countries like Argentina and Brazil are building robust informatics teams to test and deploy AI technologies within their systems.

Progress is underway across the region, particularly in the digitization of medical records — an essential step for enabling broader AI adoption. As health systems improve their data infrastructure, the pace of AI integration is expected to accelerate.

The Start of AI & Robotics Integration

Hospitals and medical device manufacturers are beginning to form partnerships with AI companies to embed intelligent technologies into their offerings, including robotics. In Brazil, the Center for Artificial Intelligence has promoted AI adoption in imaging tools such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs since 2020. Additional applications include telemedicine, drug development and support for clinical trials.

Elsewhere in Latin America, companies like Eden are attracting funding to enhance diagnostic tools and imaging processes. Their AI solutions are already in use among radiologists in Mexico, with plans to expand into more regional markets.

Unique Needs & Promising Outcomes

While the integration of AI into robotic medical devices is certainly intriguing, it may prove to be a secondary AI development behind some of the core needs of the Latin American market, such as improving record-keeping and operational efficiency.

Latin America’s healthcare challenges create strong demand for AI tools that can function with limited infrastructure. AI that improves access to care — especially in underserved or rural areas — is especially valuable. Features such as faster diagnostics, reduced costs and early-stage decision support are particularly appealing, given that patients in some areas can wait months to see a provider.

Latin American AI in Healthcare – Fast Stats

• 38% – Projected growth in the regional AI healthcare market between 2019 and 2027
• 5% – Estimated contribution of AI to Latin America’s GDP by 2030
• $3.6B – Projected size of Brazil’s healthcare AI market by 2030
• $20B – VC funding raised by Latin American tech startups in 2020 and 2021
• $349M – Forecasted revenue of Latin America’s AI healthcare market by 2030
• 2% – Estimated compound annual growth rate (2024–2030)

Key Takeaways for Medical Device Manufacturers

There’s no question that AI and robotics will be a key feature in the future of medical devices, and AI is poised to be a major growth driver in Latin America’s healthcare landscape. However, AI and robotics may be more appealing to private hospitals with more capital at their disposal.

In the short term, AI tools that can improve infrastructure, organization and record-keeping may have more value for governments and public health systems. AI that can boost operational efficiency, lower healthcare costs and increase access to care will likely gain traction quickly across Latin American healthcare systems. Advances in AI and robotics, as exciting as they are, may prove to be niche products for select areas of the Latin American health care market in the near-term future, but their promise is certainly exciting as AI continues to evolve.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about healthcare trends and their potential impact on the medical device and equipment industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the strategic analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.