We are pleased to announce that the 26th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS International 2026) will be held next June in Matsuyama, Japan.

I am honored to have been appointed as the President of the 26th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS International 2026) and will serve as the Chair of the Congress, which will take place from Wednesday, June 10 to Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Ehime Prefectural Medical Association Building.

Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS) is an academic field focused on developing and applying computer technology to enhance the safety and reliability of the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. This conference seeks to unite medical, engineering, and industrial experts to share information and engage in academic discussions aimed at advancing and promoting CAOS technology. In the more than 20 years since its inaugural conference in Davos, Switzerland, in 2001, the International Society for Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery has developed various computer technologies and devices, including navigation systems and robots successfully used in clinical practice.

Computer technology has developed rapidly in recent years, with functions and devices evolving daily. Research and development of innovative technologies are underway, including surgical education enhanced by augmented reality, sports instruction using markerless real-time motion analysis, and remote treatment enabled by 5G/6G communication technology. In particular, the advancements in artificial intelligence have been remarkable, with applications spanning automatic diagnosis, image analysis, and treatment prognosis prediction. These developments are significantly transforming the field of orthopaedics. To avoid human error, improve diagnostic and treatment accuracy, and reduce complications, it is essential to fully utilize these CAOS technologies.

On the other hand, the clinical application of CAOS technology is limited to specific fields and facilities due to its high cost and the need for specialized expertise. To make this technology more widely accessible, further technological advancements are necessary. As CAOS technology is a tool utilized by medical professionals, it is crucial to establish educational programs that ensure its proper use. One of the key missions of our Society is to facilitate discussions among experts in medicine, engineering, and industry to address various challenges in the CAOS field and to identify new needs and opportunities for development.

Matsuyama City, the capital of Ehime Prefecture, is famous for its historical buildings, such as Matsuyama Castle, its beautiful scenery overlooking the Inland Sea, its oranges and its hot springs. Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts and soaking in the hot spring will help you recover from a long trip. We created a conference logo featuring a mechanical mandarin orange soaking in a hot spring using AI technology.

We are looking forward to welcoming CAOS enthusiasts around the world in Matsuyama City.

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• The 26th Annual Meeting of the International Society for
  Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery
  (CAOS International 2026)

  Conference Chairman: Masaki Takao

  Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
  Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine