Johnson & Johnson’s JNJ robotic surgery and medical device division, Ethicon entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Auris Health, Inc., a developer of robotic technologies focused on lung cancer, for approximately $3.4 billion in cash. If certain milestones are achieved, Auris could also receive as much as $2.35 billion more from the deal. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. J&J’s stock has gained 6.5% in the past year compared with growth of 9.9% recorded by the industry. With this acquisition, J&J will gain access to robotics along with potential for growth and expansion into other interventional applications. According to J&J, Auris’s technology will help the former develop a digital solution addressing different parts of patients’ lung-cancer treatment. Auris developed the Monarch Platform, a medical device that can help physicians access nodules in patients’ lungs to diagnose and target treatments.Upon completion of the deal, Frederic Moll, M.D., CEO and Founder of Auris Health, and a visionary in the field of surgical robotics, will be joining J&J.J&J will continue to make investments to make the surgical experience better by connecting digital solutions. In this endeavor, Auris’s technology will support J&J’s vision of becoming a world leader across the continuum of surgical approaches, including open, laparoscopic, robotic and endoluminal.J&J previously forayed into surgical robotics by forming Verb Surgical, a joint venture with Alphabet’s Verily unit, in 2015. Last year, J&J acquired Orthotaxy, a privately held developer of robotic-assisted surgery software.J&J struck several deals, which should boost the top line. In June 2017, J&J acquired Swiss biotech Actelion for $30 billion, which diversified its revenues in the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) category and will bolster long-term growth. In February 2017, J&J acquired Abbott’s ABT vision care business, Abbott Medical Optics for $4.325 billion, which has strengthened the former’s Medical Device segment.Johnson & Johnson Price Johnson & Johnson Price | Johnson & Johnson Quote Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderJ&J currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks from the same space are GlaxoSmithKline GSK and Bristol-Myers Squibb BMY. While GlaxoSmithKline sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Bristol-Myers carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.GlaxoSmithKline’s earnings per share estimates have increased from $2.86 to $2.95 for 2019 and from $2.94 to $3.01 for 2020 in the past 60 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in two of the trailing four quarters, with average of 3.74%.Bristol-Myers’earnings per share estimates have increased from $4.07 to $4.16 for 2019 in the past 60 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all the trailing four quarters, with average of 14.26%.Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research. It's not the one you think.See This Ticker Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK): Free Stock Analysis Report Abbott Laboratories (ABT): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research