As a cautious swimmer slips slowly into the cool waters of a giant swimming pool so do biopharma executives: They tread into the murky abyss known as artificial intelligence (AI).

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that takes over when the human brain has reached its limit. For medical technology companies, it could help in the creation of more precise tools and devices that support diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical decisions. Instead of shooting an arrow into the sky, the bullseye target is clear, backed up by volumes of data and a machine learning algorithm designed to pinpoint the biomarker, the abnormality and the probability of success.

Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. scored a win at the FDA with the approval of the Tether for treatment of scoliosis, providing a fusionless alternative for younger patients.