Industry 6.0 capabilities in orthopaedics: Towards hyper-personalized and autonomous surgical care

Published Date: 11th December 2025

Publication Authors: Iyengar. KP

Background
Industry 6.0 represents the next frontier in technological evolution, integrating artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous robotics, digital twins, hyper-personalization, and predictive analytics to create adaptive, precision-driven systems. This comprehensive narrative review explores the current and emerging applications of Industry 6.0 in orthopaedics, focusing on AI-driven diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgery, patient-specific implants, wearable monitoring systems, and immersive Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality interfaces.

Materials and methods
A comprehensive electronic search was performed on the databases, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify Industry 6.0 relevant literature published up to October 2025. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize its evolution, current clinical applications of each technology in trauma and orthopaedics, reported advantages, limitations, and regulatory considerations and future trajectories and integration models under the Industry 6.0 framework.

Results
AI systems and Robotic platforms facilitate surgical planning with seamless, autonomous human–AI co-surgery. Digital twins allow patient-specific simulations for peri-operative planning. Advanced 3D printing and biomaterials support hyper-personalized implants and regenerative applications, while Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled wearables and smart implants provide continuous, data-driven insights into rehabilitation and recovery. Blockchain frameworks offer secure, interoperable data management.

Conclusion
Industry 6.0 offers a roadmap for safer, more efficient, and individualized orthopaedic surgery in the coming decade. Though barriers such as high costs, regulatory gaps, cybersecurity concerns, and integration challenges remain, the convergence of multi-omics, predictive modeling, and sustainable, human-centric design has the potential to redefine orthopaedic care from reactive, standardized intervention to hyper-personalized, autonomous, and preventative paradigms.
 

Regmi, A; Iyengar, KP et al. (2026). Industry 6.0 capabilities in orthopaedics: Towards hyper-personalized and autonomous surgical care. Journal of Orthopaedics. 73(March 2026), pp.184-192. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2025.11.042 [Accessed 24 December 2025]