AI-Assisted Robotic Surgery

Intuitive Surgical, the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery and maker of the da Vinci surgical system, announced in January 2026 that more than 20 million patients worldwide have been operated on by surgeons using da Vinci surgical systems, with over 3.1 million da Vinci procedures performed in 2025 alone—an increase of approximately 18% compared to 2024. The company's latest da Vinci 5 system delivers more than 10,000 times the computing power of its predecessor da Vinci Xi, enabling new hardware and software capabilities for enhanced patient care. da Vinci surgical systems provide surgeons with high-definition 3D vision, magnified views, and robotic assistance including specialized wristed instrumentation that helps with precise dissection and reconstruction deep inside the body during minimally invasive procedures. Intuitive's Ion endoluminal system, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform, was used to perform more than 140,000 lung biopsies in 2025, with evidence showing it helps patients with suspected lung cancer receive an early diagnosis. With experience drawn from 20 million procedures, Intuitive translates insights from real-world use into continuous technology, training, and system enhancements, supporting healthcare systems in improving outcomes, reducing variability, and delivering high-quality care safely and effectively. The company expects da Vinci procedures to increase approximately 13 to 15% in 2026. Intuitive CEO Dave Rosa stated that the milestone reflects surgeons' dedication to providing the best possible care and underscores the belief in a future of care that is less invasive and profoundly better. The da Vinci Single Port (SP) system continues to expand indications globally, enabling more procedures to be performed through a single incision. Each platform is supported by an ecosystem including advanced training, program optimization, and ongoing collaborations to help hospitals and care teams deliver high-quality, minimally invasive care.