iotaMotion

iotaMotion is a privately held Iowa-based company developing surgical robotic assistive technologies aimed at advancing cochlear implant surgery beyond human capability. Their flagship product, the iotaSOFT Insertion System, is the world's first FDA-authorized robotic-assisted insertion technology designed to aid surgeons in the precise placement of cochlear implant electrode arrays by controlling the speed of insertion.

The iotaSOFT system consists of a thumb-sized bone-mounted drive unit and a reusable console with foot pedal control. It stabilizes the electrode array throughout the insertion process and controls the variability in forces within the cochlea, enabling surgeons to insert the array at a slower and more consistent rate than the human hand. This minimizes trauma to the delicate cochlear structures, reducing the risk of residual hearing loss.

iotaMotion began a Limited Market Release of iotaSOFT in Q3 2022 at select centers across the country. As of February 2023, the system had surpassed 125 clinical use cases, with the University of Utah Hospitals completing the milestone case. Through this initial release, iotaMotion garnered feedback from surgeon partners, expanded training, and built internal support infrastructure.

Following the success of the Limited Market Release, iotaMotion plans an expanded, controlled commercial release of iotaSOFT throughout 2023, distributing systems to top cochlear implant centers nationwide. The company aims to increase access and awareness of cochlear implants by advancing the surgical procedure and standardizing electrode array insertion.

In July 2023, iotaMotion announced the completion of a USD 12 million Series A funding round led by Research Corporation Technologies, with participation from Mutual Capital Partners, ISA Ventures, and Next Level Ventures. The funds will fuel the commercial expansion of iotaSOFT and drive new innovations in robotic-assisted cochlear implantation.