Zimmer Biomet Holdings and THINK Surgical announced a multi-year extension of their limited exclusive distribution and supply agreement. The arrangement continues Zimmer Biomet’s role in distributing an exclusive version of THINK Surgical’s wireless, handheld TMINI Miniature Robotic System, specifically configured for compatibility with Zimmer Biomet’s Persona Knee System. The extension follows a successful initial term that began with an agreement signed in 2024 and reflects sustained interest among orthopedic surgeons in compact robotic tools for total knee arthroplasty.
The TMINI system is a stereotaxic instrumentation platform cleared for use in total knee replacement surgery. It assists surgeons by providing software-defined spatial boundaries and reference information for the accurate placement of implant components. In its exclusive Zimmer Biomet configuration, the device integrates with the Persona Knee System and employs a predetermined, CT-based three-dimensional surgical plan to guide implant positioning. Unlike larger cart-based robotic platforms, the TMINI is wireless and handheld, offering a portable alternative that can be brought into standard operating rooms without dedicated infrastructure. This design addresses preferences among surgeons who seek robotic assistance for alignment accuracy while retaining flexibility in workflow and facility setup.
THINK Surgical Chief Executive Officer Stuart Simpson stated that the extension confirms the value the TMINI System has been providing to Zimmer Biomet’s customers and their patients. He expressed the company’s intent to continue collaborating with the Zimmer Biomet team to accelerate adoption. Brad Kessler, President of Americas – Robotics, Technology and Data at Zimmer Biomet, noted that the system addresses the needs of customers who want a wireless, handheld robotic option for use with the Persona Knee System. He described THINK Surgical as a valuable partner in Zimmer Biomet’s strategy to offer the broadest and most flexible ecosystem of robotics and enabling technologies, matching the diverse preferences of orthopedic surgeons. The continued availability of the exclusive version supports Zimmer Biomet’s broader portfolio, which also includes its own ROSA robotic system, by giving surgeons additional choices tailored to specific clinical and operational requirements.
Adoption of the TMINI platform has grown steadily. Earlier in 2026, THINK Surgical reported that the system had been used in its 5,000th total knee arthroplasty procedure, a milestone achieved roughly one year after the 1,000th case. The exclusive distribution channel with Zimmer Biomet has contributed to this expansion, alongside the system’s open-platform compatibility with multiple implant brands. For facilities performing high volumes of knee replacements, the combination of the TMINI guidance tool and Persona implants creates a streamlined pathway from preoperative planning through intraoperative execution. Accurate component placement supported by the robotic assistance can influence the selection and use of specific femoral, tibial, and bearing components within the Persona system, as well as the associated trial instruments and provisional components used during the procedure.
From a surgical supply perspective, the extended agreement sustains demand for the implants, instruments, and procedural disposables that accompany each case. Total knee arthroplasty relies on sterile instrument sets for bone preparation, trial components for sizing and alignment checks, and final implants that must match the planned orientation. The handheld robotic tool adds a layer of precision guidance without replacing the need for these traditional supplies; instead, it works alongside them. Facilities adopting or expanding use of the TMINI–Persona combination typically maintain inventories of CT-compatible planning materials, sterile drapes suitable for the handheld device, and the full range of Persona sizes and configurations. As case volumes increase, the recurring nature of these consumables—ranging from single-use alignment accessories to high-volume implant components—supports consistent procurement patterns for distributors and hospitals.
The announcement arrives during a period of broader activity in orthopedic and soft-tissue robotics. Portable and modular systems continue to attract interest because they can expand access in settings where capital or space limitations constrain larger platforms. For surgical teams, the practical benefits include improved consistency in implant positioning, potential reductions in variability during bone cuts, and the ability to incorporate preoperative imaging data directly into the procedure. For materials management and supply-chain teams, the implication is the need for reliable availability of compatible implants and instruments that match the robotic workflow. Hospitals evaluating handheld options alongside established cart-based systems must also ensure that sterile processing protocols accommodate the specific requirements of each device while maintaining overall instrument tray efficiency.
The multi-year extension provides continuity for existing users and a clear pathway for further adoption of the TMINI system with the Persona Knee. As orthopedic procedure volumes remain strong and surgeons seek tools that balance precision with practicality, the partnership between Zimmer Biomet and THINK Surgical reinforces the role of specialized robotic assistance in total knee arthroplasty. Supporting this activity requires coordinated access to the implants, instruments, and sterile products that enable each case, underscoring the ongoing importance of robust medical and surgical supply chains in advancing consistent clinical outcomes.
