The adoption of surgical robots in operating rooms is rapidly expanding. Currently, many university hospitals in Korea own at least one surgical robot, and even mid-sized hospitals are operating them. In particular, as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries (non-open abdominal procedures) become more common in modern healthcare, demand for surgical robots capable of performing precise operations is increasing sharply. Traditionally, laparoscopic surgery relied largely on devices that assisted surgeons during delicate procedures, but robots are increasingly taking over these roles.
[Fig] Definitions of Surgical Robot Technology Levels
The company leading the surgical robot market is Intuitive Surgical of the United States with its Da Vinci system. The Da Vinci system uses wire-driven surgical robots that can move like the human wrist and joints, enabling operations inside the abdominal cavity. The system can accommodate three or more surgical instruments, and has recently evolved into Da Vinci SP, which minimizes scarring and recovery time. Inspired by the success of the Da Vinci system, companies such as CMR Surgical (UK) and Accuray have also launched their own laparoscopic surgical systems. In addition, Stryker has introduced surgical robots for orthopedic and dental procedures, among others, leading to a diverse range of surgical robots entering the market.
[Fig] Intuitive Surgical’s Da Vinci Surgical Robot System
Korean companies are also actively participating in the surgical robot market. Connective Co., Ltd. (CEO: Doohyun Noh) successfully raised KRW 4 billion (Pre-A) after being recognized for its AI-based joint replacement surgical robot technology. Connective develops robots that perform highly precise joint replacement surgeries using AI, as well as solutions that analyze artificial joints using X-ray imaging. With this investment, the company plans to expand its workforce to develop next-generation surgical robots and pursue medical device regulatory approval for its AI-based musculoskeletal diagnostic support software. Going forward, it aims to build high-quality AI technology using more than 100,000 images directly labeled by specialist physicians at university hospitals.
[Fig] Connective Co., Ltd.’s AI-Based X-ray Joint Analysis Solution
Another Korean surgical robot company, EndoRobotics Co., Ltd. (CEO: Daehee Hong), also successfully secured KRW 10 billion in Series B funding after its technology was recognized. EndoRobotics develops non-invasive surgical robots that use cable-driven mechanisms and can be attached to and detached from endoscopes. This design enables non-resection treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers. By utilizing the ROSE platform, surgeries can be performed without scarring and without general anesthesia, thereby improving procedural safety. The company plans to use the investment to scale up production, enter the U.S. market, and further advance its technology.
[Fig] EndoRobotics Co., Ltd.’s Surgical Robot
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the surgical robot market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will present new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further noted that “securing intellectual property rights for surgical robot technologies will be a sound strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been chosen by more than 2,000 innovative startups as a partner, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategy development, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#SurgicalRobot #IntuitiveSurgical #DaVinci #CMRSurgical #Accuray #Stryker #Connective #EndoRobotics
The adoption of surgical robots in operating rooms is rapidly expanding. Currently, many university hospitals in Korea own at least one surgical robot, and even mid-sized hospitals are operating them. In particular, as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries (non-open abdominal procedures) become more common in modern healthcare, demand for surgical robots capable of performing precise operations is increasing sharply. Traditionally, laparoscopic surgery relied largely on devices that assisted surgeons during delicate procedures, but robots are increasingly taking over these roles.
[Fig] Definitions of Surgical Robot Technology Levels
The company leading the surgical robot market is Intuitive Surgical of the United States with its Da Vinci system. The Da Vinci system uses wire-driven surgical robots that can move like the human wrist and joints, enabling operations inside the abdominal cavity. The system can accommodate three or more surgical instruments, and has recently evolved into Da Vinci SP, which minimizes scarring and recovery time. Inspired by the success of the Da Vinci system, companies such as CMR Surgical (UK) and Accuray have also launched their own laparoscopic surgical systems. In addition, Stryker has introduced surgical robots for orthopedic and dental procedures, among others, leading to a diverse range of surgical robots entering the market.
[Fig] Intuitive Surgical’s Da Vinci Surgical Robot System
Korean companies are also actively participating in the surgical robot market. Connective Co., Ltd. (CEO: Doohyun Noh) successfully raised KRW 4 billion (Pre-A) after being recognized for its AI-based joint replacement surgical robot technology. Connective develops robots that perform highly precise joint replacement surgeries using AI, as well as solutions that analyze artificial joints using X-ray imaging. With this investment, the company plans to expand its workforce to develop next-generation surgical robots and pursue medical device regulatory approval for its AI-based musculoskeletal diagnostic support software. Going forward, it aims to build high-quality AI technology using more than 100,000 images directly labeled by specialist physicians at university hospitals.
[Fig] Connective Co., Ltd.’s AI-Based X-ray Joint Analysis Solution
Another Korean surgical robot company, EndoRobotics Co., Ltd. (CEO: Daehee Hong), also successfully secured KRW 10 billion in Series B funding after its technology was recognized. EndoRobotics develops non-invasive surgical robots that use cable-driven mechanisms and can be attached to and detached from endoscopes. This design enables non-resection treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers. By utilizing the ROSE platform, surgeries can be performed without scarring and without general anesthesia, thereby improving procedural safety. The company plans to use the investment to scale up production, enter the U.S. market, and further advance its technology.
[Fig] EndoRobotics Co., Ltd.’s Surgical Robot
The BLT Patent & Law Firm Research Center stated that “the surgical robot market is expected to experience dramatic growth, and these technological changes will present new opportunities for companies through related technology development.” It further noted that “securing intellectual property rights for surgical robot technologies will be a sound strategic approach.”
As of 2024, BLT Patent & Law Firm has been chosen by more than 2,000 innovative startups as a partner, supporting corporate growth and success through IP acquisition, strategy development, investment attraction, and IP-based business support such as technology-special listings.
#SurgicalRobot #IntuitiveSurgical #DaVinci #CMRSurgical #Accuray #Stryker #Connective #EndoRobotics