On September 8, 2023, the inaugural Global Medical Robotics Conference 2023 was held at the Zhongguancun Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center in Beijing. The event was attended by 500 participants in person, hundreds more visited the exhibition, and approximately 3,000 others participated online through platforms like Jingyi (for doctors in China), Zoom (for overseas participants), and Tencent Meetings.
In the first part of the conference, titled "Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Achievement Transformation—The Fountainhead of Robotic Innovation," the chairman of Beijing Tianzhihang Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Zhang Songgen, shared insights on the theme "Orthopedic Robot Industry Practice and Innovation."
Chairman Zhang provided a deep analysis of the development history, technological innovations, market applications, and future prospects of the orthopedic robotics industry, presenting a constantly advancing and vibrant high-tech field to the audience. He began by noting that the development of the orthopedic robotics industry is a long marathon requiring long-term patience and investment.
"This is a journey of industrialization, almost 20 years long, dedicated to surgical robots," he said, indicating that this industry is not suited for quick profits but requires ongoing passion and perseverance. Discussing key factors in industry development, Zhang particularly emphasized the importance of support from partners, including property research and government backing, which has enabled them to persevere. He highlighted a 20-year close cooperation with Jishuitan Hospital, a partnership that has provided a solid foundation for steady development in the orthopedic robotics industry.
Regarding technological innovation, Zhang detailed the development of four generations of products by his company. Although the first-generation robot did not achieve commercial success, he still recognized its value, stating, "This was China’s first surgical robot certificate and the fifth globally." With continuous iteration, the third-generation robot achieved breakthroughs in solving clinical issues and commercial application, with sales nearing 200 units, reflecting the company’s R&D strength and market foresight.
In market application and clinical cooperation, Zhang also considered these aspects crucial, noting, "All these are classic surgeries where we have been completely innovative." He mentioned that Tianzhihang continuously meets clinical needs through innovation, driven by feedback and recognition from clinical doctors. Additionally, Zhang spoke about integrating the latest technologies, believing that remote surgery enabled by 5G technology represents a future direction for development. He envisioned a deep integration of technology and market that would open a new chapter for the orthopedic robotics industry.
Zhang's speech not only showcased Tianzhihang’s achievements and experience in the field of orthopedic robots but also provided valuable insights for other companies and researchers in the industry. His remarks offered a profound perspective on future technological and market developments, pointing the way towards innovation in the orthopedic robotics industry.