Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-11-10 13:21Core Insights - The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, showcasing Intuitive Surgical and Fosun Pharma's joint venture, Intuitive Fosun, which presented multiple robotic systems and digital innovations, including the Da Vinci surgical robot and Ion bronchial robot [1][2] - Intuitive Surgical has witnessed rapid growth in China's surgical robotics market but faces challenges such as approval time discrepancies, quota restrictions, and domestic competition [1][2] - The company emphasizes building a competitive moat by focusing on value assessment rather than just price considerations [1][4] Product Approval and Market Presence - The Da Vinci surgical robot and Ion bronchial robot have been showcased, with the Da Vinci Xi robot approved in China in June 2023, while the single-port Da Vinci SP system is still undergoing approval [2][3] - As of September 2025, the Da Vinci surgical robot has been installed in over 370 hospitals in China, with more than 480 units in operation, serving over 810,000 patients, making China the company's second-largest market globally [3] - There is a significant time gap in product approvals between the U.S. and China, with the Ion bronchial robot taking five years longer to gain approval in China compared to the U.S. [3] Strategic Focus and Collaboration - The company aims to optimize the product approval process in China by leveraging its experience and collaborating with the government to utilize real-world data research [4][5] - Intuitive Fosun's establishment of a headquarters in Shanghai and multiple training centers across China reflects its commitment to local production, research, and training [2][5] - The company is focused on enhancing the core competitiveness of the Da Vinci surgical robot and aims to provide comprehensive clinical training and support to hospitals [5][6] Industry Development and Future Outlook - The company expresses a desire for more partnerships with local enterprises to advance the surgical robotics and medical technology innovation sectors [6] - The Chinese government’s management of large medical equipment, including surgical robots, poses limitations on the number of approved medical institutions, which the company aims to navigate by enhancing its product offerings and support [5]