US healthcare and consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson announced Wednesday it will acquire medical robotics company Auris Health for $3.4 billion, arguing the technology will become more central to surgery. Privately-held Auris has the opportunity to earn up to $2.35 billion in additional payments if it meets “predetermined milestones,” J&J said in a press release. “In this new era of health care, we’re aiming to simplify surgery, drive efficiency, reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients, ultimately making surgery safer,” said J&J Executive Vice President Ashley McEvoy said in a statement.
