Google and Johnson & Johnson have partnered to advance surgical robotics.

The companies will bring together capabilities, intellectual property and expertise to create an innovative robotic-assisted surgical platform capable of integrating advanced technologies with the goal of improving healthcare delivery in the operating room, Johnson & Johnson officials said in a press statement.

Ethicon, a medical device company, which is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, has executed a definitive agreement to enter into a strategic collaboration with Google, working with the life sciences team on advancing surgical robotics to benefit surgeons, patients and healthcare systems, Johnson & Johnson announced March 26.

Johnson & Johnson Innovation in California facilitated the collaboration.

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As J&J describes it, robotic-assisted surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses technology to give surgeons greater control, access and accuracy during the surgical procedure while benefitting patients by minimizing trauma and scarring, enabling accelerated post-surgical healing. The company will work with Google to develop new robotic tools and capabilities for surgeons and operating room professionals that integrate best-in-class medical device technology with leading-edge robotic systems, imaging and data analytics.

"For more than 60 years, Ethicon has developed products and technologies that have transformed the way surgery is done," Gary Pruden, worldwide chairman of the global surgery group, at Johnson & Johnson, said in a news release. "This collaboration with Google is another important step in our commitment to advancing surgical care, and together, we aim to put the best science, technology and surgical know-how in the hands of medical teams around the world."

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The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015. Financial terms were not disclosed.