A year ago, India entered a fascinating chapter in medical technology. An indigenously manufactured robotic system - MISSO from Meril, India's foremost medical device innovator - was brought into operation theatres across India. A robotic solution designed exclusively for surgeons worldwide.

The MISSO robotic system is revolutionizing joint replacement surgery in India, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of robotic-assisted procedures.

This isn't just another anniversary. MISSO has proven that Indian-made medical technology can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global systems. In its very first year, this system has enabled 1000+ successful surgeries with huge installations across India, each representing a real patient who has benefited from greater surgical precision and faster recovery.

In this 79th Year of India’s Independence, MISSO has achieved another remarkable feat. On the 12th and 13th of August, 79 robotic knee replacement surgeries were conducted — each one marking a step toward giving patients the freedom to move without pain. More than a number, each surgery tells a story of restored mobility, renewed confidence, and improved quality of life.

79 Knees. 79 Lives. 2 Days.

On this Independence Day, the celebration extended beyond tradition — creating an impact that will last a lifetime.

Until recently, most robotic surgery solutions in India were imported. These systems weren't always designed for Indian operating conditions or healthcare setups. MISSO surgical device was developed to bridge that gap. It is a fully active robotic system designed with Indian needs in mind, offering simplicity of use, robust performance, and high adaptability in busy hospitals and diverse environments.

This surgical device is an active, surgeon-centred robotic system that can perform tasks autonomously, using internal sensors and actuators to control their movements and actions. It performs key surgical tasks with precision giving surgeons more control during operations. It assists in pre-surgical planning, monitors movements, and carries out surgical steps with the precision of a robot, which frees up the surgeon to act with confidence on their own behalf and assures better outcomes. 

It’s been a year, and the MISSO robotic solution isn't just transforming surgeries; it's transforming recoveries. By combining precision with patient-centred design, it is helping deliver better healing experiences.

• Enables more accurate joint alignment, improving long-term mobility 

• Minimally invasive approach reduces tissue damage and surgical trauma 

• Patients report less post-operative pain and discomfort 

• Faster recovery times lead to quicker returns to daily life 

• High consistency in surgical outcomes boosts overall patient confidence 

The journey has been about innovation, which has been paired with collaboration and purpose. Its leadership was behind this innovative robotic system because of their belief in Indian ingenuity and their commitment to making it happen! Here are their comments to make sense of their past year and the work ahead:

Mr. Vivek Shah, CEO (Vision & Development of MISSO)

"At Meril, we've always believed that true innovation begins by solving real-world challenges. When we looked at the landscape of orthopaedic robotics, we saw a gap—not just in access, but in relevance. MISSO was born out of this very need—to create a fully active robotic system that understands the demands of Indian surgeons, works in Indian operating conditions, and offers global-level precision without compromise.

Developing it was a journey marked by ambition, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Engineers, surgeons, and designers worked as one team, refining every movement, every module, until we had something that wasn't just technologically advanced, but practically impactful.

As MISSO completes its first year, I'm filled with pride—but also gratitude. To every doctor who took a chance on MISSO, who brought it into their OT, who helped us improve with every case—you are the reason we've reached this milestone. Thank you for placing your trust in Indian innovation."

Mr. Manish Deshmukh, CMO (Future Outlook and Gratitude to Surgeons)

"One year ago, MISSO entered the operating theatre as India's first fully active robotic knee system—and since then, it has transformed how joint replacements are performed across the country. But this is just the beginning.

Looking ahead, our focus is clear: we're building on this foundation with next-gen software, data-driven planning tools, and AI-powered insights that make surgeries not just easier, but more innovative, more personalised, and more precise. We're investing heavily in training, service, and real-time surgeon feedback to ensure it continues to evolve with the needs of the surgical community.

To our surgeon partners, thank you. You didn't just adopt MISSO—you shaped it. Your trust, your feedback, and your boldness to embrace new technology have made MISSO a roaring success. This one-year milestone belongs to you as much as it does to us. Together, we're redefining the future of robotic surgery in India."

Robotic knee replacements are becoming increasingly popular with this surgical device leading the change with patient-specific precision and surgeon-focused innovation:

• Provides surgeons with cutting-edge tools for enhanced precision and control.

• Allows hospitals to have a more consistent, successful flow.

• Leaves India in a stronger position to embrace new medical technology.

• Reflects India's growing strength in indigenous med-tech innovation 

In the future, the MISSO surgical device is focused on expanding both reach and offerings. With 1000+ completed surgeries, the focus now turns to next-generation features and the push to expand beyond the current healthcare centres across the country. The goal is to make the future of robotic surgery available to all and to utilise it to best benefit all. 

MISSO is not just stopping here. It's getting better with powerful upgrades that will add more surgical capabilities:

• Unicondylar Knee Replacement: Ideal for partial knee procedures 

• Burr & Saw-Based Systems: Featuring two precision options:

  • Automatic Saw-Based Total Knee Replacement

  • Robot-Guided Saw-Based Total Knee Replacement

• Total Hip Replacement: Expanding its reach beyond the knees

These upgrades will ensure it continues to be one of the most advanced platforms.   

MISSO robotic solution isn't just advanced; it's adaptable. It's carefully designed to satisfy the needs of all patients and surgeon skills.

• Provides intuitive control for surgeons of all experience levels. 

• Plans for the unique patient anatomy that exists across India.

• Delivers surgical efficiency with real-time data and feedback.

• Functions seamlessly in high-volume, fast-paced hospital settings. 

• Bridges the gap between affordability and advanced surgical care 

MISSO's robotic solution has come a long way in just one year. With strong leadership, support from surgeons, and innovation, it is quickly establishing itself as a trusted name in robotic surgery. It is building the future of robotic surgery in India - developing, upgrading, and evolving as an organisation, one precise, patient-first step at a time. 

What is MISSO by Meril Life? 

MISSO is Meril Life's indigenously developed, fully active robotic surgical system designed to assist Indian surgeons in performing precise and consistent joint replacement surgeries. 

How does MISSO benefit patients undergoing knee replacement? 

This surgical device enhances surgical precision, leading to better joint alignment, smaller incisions, and faster recovery, resulting in improved patient outcomes. 

Is MISSO suitable for all hospitals and surgeons? 

Yes, the robotic solution is built to function in high-volume hospitals and is intuitive enough to support both experienced and new surgeons across India.