In 1996, Intuitive Surgical Devices Inc launched the first-generation "endoscopic surgical instrument control system." The system consists of 3 parts, the doctor's console, the robotic surgery system and the three-dimensional imaging system. Because the design was inspired by Leonardo’s paintings, the system was nicknamed the “Da Vinci Robot". In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved it for clinical use.

"Nature" published an article in June 2020 that compared with traditional endoscopes, the robot's movements are more flexible and accurate, providing a magnified three-dimensional view, and doctors can see more clearly during the operation, down to every small blood vessel and nerve.

In addition, due to the small wound, it can reduce pain and bleeding, reduce the risk of complications, and shorten the length of hospital stay.

"Nature" data shows that more than 5,500 "Da Vinci robots" have been sold worldwide. According to the "Overview of China's Surgical Robot Industry in 2019", there are also some orthopedic surgical robots, neurosurgery robots and vascular interventional therapy surgical robots, which are also "serving" in the clinical frontline.