- In April 2023, Medtronic plc announced the expansion of its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system to multiple hospitals in Latin America and Southeast Asia, advancing access to minimally invasive procedures in underserved regions. The initiative demonstrates Medtronic’s commitment to scaling robotic surgery globally and supporting healthcare systems through technological innovation and remote surgical capabilities. By combining real-time connectivity and precision robotics, Medtronic is driving broader adoption of digital surgery platforms worldwide
- In March 2023, Johnson & Johnson MedTech revealed enhancements to its Ottava surgical robotic system, focusing on improved modularity, imaging integration, and remote operation features. The upgrades aim to facilitate better adaptability across surgical specialties and enable remote collaboration between surgeons and clinical teams. This development highlights Johnson & Johnson’s strategic push into intelligent, scalable surgical platforms optimized for both in-hospital and remote procedure settings
- In March 2023, CMR Surgical partnered with major Indian hospitals to deploy its Versius robotic surgical system, with a focus on expanding access to high-quality minimally invasive surgery in rural and tier-2 cities. The collaboration supports India’s broader digital health mission and reflects the growing role of remote-compatible robotics in addressing surgical workforce shortages. It also underscores CMR’s efforts to make advanced surgical care more accessible and cost-effective in emerging markets
- In February 2023, Intuitive Surgical, the maker of the da Vinci surgical system, announced the successful completion of several pilot telesurgery procedures across Europe using 5G-enabled connections. These trials, conducted in collaboration with telecom and hospital partners, demonstrated the feasibility of real-time remote robotic surgery. The initiative reinforces Intuitive’s leadership in the field and paves the way for regulatory and clinical advancements in cross-border surgical care
- In January 2023, Apollo Hospitals Group (India) launched a remote surgery training and simulation center in partnership with U.S.-based tech firms, aiming to upskill surgeons using VR and robotic-assisted surgery platforms. The facility offers real-time collaboration with global experts, providing practical exposure to remote techniques. This initiative reflects the growing demand for tele-mentoring and simulation-based training in the adoption of remote surgical systems across developing countries
