As the era of aging advances, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is driving innovation in medical technology.
In particular, the medical surgical robot market is rapidly growing, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicting on social media, "In five years, robots will surpass the best human surgeons."
So, what is robot surgery, and how is the global medical surgical robot market evolving?
What Is Robot Surgery?
Surgical procedures can be categorized into open surgery, which requires large incisions, and minimally invasive surgery, which uses cameras and specialized instruments to reduce incision size. Robot-assisted surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons precisely control robotic arms via a console.
Compared to open surgery, robotic surgery requires smaller incisions, reduces blood loss and infection risks, and accelerates recovery time. Its 3D visualization and precise movements also make it particularly effective for handling delicate tissues such as nerves and blood vessels.
Robotic surgery is widely used in various medical fields—including urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery—where precise maneuvers in confined spaces are required. Recently, robotic surgical technology has been integrating AI and data analysis to create a safer and more precise surgical environment. Additionally, advancements in remote surgery and automated surgical systems are rapidly progressing.
Global Robotic Surgery Market
With the adoption of AI technology and enhanced 3D camera resolutions, surgical navigation systems have significantly improved. This has led to higher accuracy and increased utilization of surgical robots, boosting adoption rates in medical procedures.
Between 2022 and 2023, the number of robotic surgeries increased by 22%. A leading surgical robot company, Intuitive Surgical, has performed over 12 million surgeries with its Da Vinci robotic system as of May 2023, demonstrating the increasing reliance on robot-assisted procedures.
Economic Benefits of Robotic Surgery in the U.S.
North America (Market Share: 49.8%) is The largest market due to advanced medical infrastructure and increased adoption of minimally invasive surgery. Orthopedic Surgeries in the U.S.: Approximately 790,000 knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements are performed annually.
Healthcare costs in the U.S. are significantly higher than those in Korea, making hospitalization, outpatient care, and surgery financially burdensome without insurance support. However, robotic surgery has proven to be more cost-effective compared to traditional surgery. According to Hip and Knee Society research, knee replacement surgery using the Mako robotic system reduced 90-day treatment costs by $2,400 compared to conventional surgery. Additionally, patients who underwent Mako-assisted surgery had a 33% lower 90-day readmission rate. These cost reductions and shorter recovery times make robotic surgery a compelling choice for U.S. healthcare providers.
Beyond the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa are also experiencing rapid growth in robotic surgery adoption. The EU is strengthening research support for micro-robot technology, particularly in Germany, where healthcare spending accounted for 11.4% of GDP in 2018, facilitating government-led robotic surgery research and innovation.
Meanwhile, China has demonstrated successful long-distance robotic surgery using satellite communication, highlighting how robotic surgery is becoming a crucial medical solution in aging societies across Asia.
Major Players in the Global Robotic Surgery Market
The global surgical robot market is dominated by Intuitive Surgical, which holds over 80% market share, making it challenging for competitors to expand their presence.
In contrast, South Korea's medical surgical robot market share is only around 2%, indicating a relatively small industry presence.
Investors looking into surgical robots may find foreign companies more viable options.
- Intuitive Surgical: Developer of Da Vinci Surgical System, commanding over 80% of the global surgical robot market.
- Medtronic: Leading provider of advanced cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, recently launched Hugo robotic system for laparoscopic surgery.
- CMR Surgical: UK-based medical robotics company, known for its Versius modular robotic arm system, which secured FDA approval in the U.S.
- Stryker Corporation: Specializing in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and spine treatments, AI-powered Mako robotic system widely used for hip and knee replacements.
- Asensus Surgical: Strengthened its market presence by acquiring Karl Storz, focusing on minimally invasive robotic surgery solutions.
Conclusion
The robotic surgery market continues to expand as medical technology advances and global aging trends drive demand for minimally invasive procedures. With the integration of AI, big data, and 5G networks, surgical robots are becoming safer, more precise, and highly efficient, reducing surgeons’ workload while accelerating patient recovery times.
The adoption of remote robotic surgery and automation systems is further enhancing accessibility to medical care, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
This transformation not only improves patients’ quality of life but also increases healthcare system efficiency. Leading companies worldwide are heavily investing in innovative technologies and market expansion strategies, while hospitals are actively incorporating robotic surgery systems into mainstream medical practice. As robotic surgery continues to evolve, it is set to become a key technology in providing safer, more effective treatments on a global scale.
댓글
댓글 쓰기