First-in-Human Study of 50 Patients Shows Neptune Medical’s Triton Robotic Endoscopy System Achieves Zero Adverse Events and 100% Cecal Intubation in Colonoscopy
Neptune Medical has reported encouraging results from its first-in-human clinical evaluation of the Triton Robotic Endoscopy System, marking a notable step forward in the evolution of gastrointestinal diagnostic technologies. The findings come from the CARE 1 study (Colonoscopy with a Robotic Endoscope), a prospective, single-arm clinical trial involving 50 adult patients, and were presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026. The results highlight the system’s strong safety profile, procedural effectiveness, and potential to transform how colonoscopies are performed in clinical practice.
Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting colorectal abnormalities, particularly because it allows clinicians to both identify and remove precancerous lesions in a single procedure. This dual capability is critical in the prevention of colorectal cancer, which continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally. Alarmingly, incidence rates are rising among younger adults, further underscoring the need for more efficient, accurate, and accessible screening tools.
Despite its clinical importance, traditional colonoscopy has long faced limitations due to the manual nature of endoscope operation. These devices require significant operator skill and can be physically demanding, often resulting in ergonomic strain for physicians. Additionally, challenges such as scope instability and incomplete navigation of the colon can lead to missed lesions, which may later develop into malignancies. These constraints have driven innovation toward more advanced solutions, including robotic-assisted systems like Triton.
The CARE 1 study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Triton system in a real-world clinical setting. Conducted at H-T Centrum Medyczne, the study enrolled 50 adult patients undergoing screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy. Each patient was followed for 14 days post-procedure to monitor for adverse events and assess clinical outcomes.
The results were notably positive. The Triton system achieved its primary endpoints, demonstrating zero adverse events throughout the follow-up period and a 100% cecal intubation rate, meaning that the endoscope successfully reached the beginning of the large intestine in every case. This is a critical benchmark for colonoscopy quality, as incomplete procedures can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
Equally significant was the system’s ability to complete all procedures without the need for patient repositioning, external abdominal الضغط, or conversion to a conventional manual colonoscopy. This level of procedural consistency suggests that the robotic platform may reduce variability associated with operator technique and patient anatomy.
In terms of diagnostic performance, the Triton system showed a strong adenoma detection rate (ADR) of 54.2% and a polyp detection rate (PDR) of 67.5%. These metrics are key indicators of colonoscopy quality, as higher detection rates are directly associated with reduced risk of interval colorectal cancers. Moreover, all polyps smaller than 2 cm were successfully removed during the procedure, resulting in a 100% polypectomy success rate within this size category.
Beyond clinical outcomes, the study also highlighted substantial ergonomic benefits for physicians. Using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), a widely recognized measure of workload, the Triton system demonstrated a 67% reduction in average operator burden compared to traditional colonoscopy. This finding suggests that robotic assistance could significantly alleviate the physical and cognitive strain experienced by endoscopists, potentially reducing burnout and extending career longevity in the field.
Dr. Marcin Romanczyk, a gastroenterologist at the study site and principal investigator of CARE 1, emphasized the system’s ease of use and comfort, even for first-time operators. He noted that the Triton platform enabled safe and complete procedures with minimal physical and mental effort, describing the experience as highly intuitive. According to him, a robotic system capable of delivering consistent control and access throughout the colon could enhance both diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness.
Dr. Jason B. Samarasena, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of California, Irvine, and a study investigator, also underscored the importance of the system’s stability and control. He pointed out that the Triton system allowed for thorough mucosal inspection, which is essential for identifying subtle lesions. The ability to navigate complex anatomical structures while maintaining visualization contributed to accurate detection and successful removal of polyps, regardless of their location.
These early findings suggest that robotic endoscopy may play a critical role in addressing the growing demand for colonoscopy procedures, particularly in healthcare systems facing workforce constraints. By reducing operator fatigue and simplifying complex maneuvers, systems like Triton could enable clinicians to perform a higher volume of high-quality procedures without compromising patient outcomes.
Alex Tilson, Founder and CEO of Neptune Medical, highlighted the broader vision behind the technology. He pointed out that despite decades of clinical use, the fundamental design of the colonoscope has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. As colorectal cancer rates continue to rise—especially among younger populations—the need for innovation in screening tools has become increasingly urgent.
Tilson emphasized that the Triton system is part of a larger effort to redefine endoscopy through robotics, with the goal of enhancing navigation, improving lesion detection, and enabling more effective treatment. By integrating advanced control mechanisms and improving ergonomics, the company aims to empower gastroenterologists with tools that elevate both the quality and efficiency of care.
While the CARE 1 study represents an early-stage clinical evaluation, its results provide a strong foundation for further research and development. Larger, multi-center trials will be essential to validate these findings and assess the system’s performance across diverse patient populations and clinical settings. Additionally, long-term outcomes, including impact on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, will be critical in determining the technology’s ultimate clinical value.
In summary, the Triton Robotic Endoscopy System has demonstrated promising safety, efficacy, and usability in its first-in-human study. By addressing longstanding challenges associated with traditional colonoscopy, this innovative platform has the potential to transform gastrointestinal diagnostics and improve patient care. As robotic technologies continue to advance, they may usher in a new era of precision, efficiency, and accessibility in endoscopic procedures.
About Triton Robotic Endoscopy
Triton is a transformative GI robotic endoscopy system designed for easy and comfortable navigation, excellent precision, and control throughout the entire colon. It is designed to bring robotic precision and AI-assisted detection to the gold standard colonoscopy procedure, with the goal of ensuring that every patient receives a consistently thorough screening, regardless of their physician’s experience level. Triton is being developed to elevate any endoscopist’s capabilities for screening, surveillance and diagnostic colonoscopies, endoscopic mucosal resections (EMRs) and endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) in the lower GI tract.
CAUTION — Investigational Device. Limited by Federal (or United States) Law to Investigational Use. The Triton Robotic System is not available for sale within the United States, the European Union, or the rest of the world. This device has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). No claims of safety or effectiveness are made or implied.
About Neptune Medical
Neptune Medical is creating the future of endoscopy with its proprietary Dynamic Rigidization technology, enabling unprecedented scope control in upper and lower GI procedures. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Neptune Medical is a venture‑backed medical device company dedicated to advancing minimally invasive care through innovation, designing and manufacturing cutting‑edge devices that empower physicians and improve the patient and clinician experience.
Neptune, Neptune Medical, Pathfinder, Pathfinder SB, Pathfinder CR, Triton, Triton Robotic Endoscopy, and Dynamic Rigidization are trademarks of Neptune Medical Inc. and may be registered in one or more jurisdictions.
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