"Surgical robotics is a highly competitive field, but far from saturated," said Zhou Mintao, President of Johnson & Johnson MedTech China, during an interview at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 6. He emphasized that surgical robotics is one of the key growth areas for Johnson & Johnson's surgical product line, with the potential to drive significant breakthroughs in the industry.

Johnson & Johnson is accelerating its presence in China's surgical robotics sector while deepening collaborations with local Chinese companies. At this year's CIIE, the laparoscopic surgical robot "Hai Shan Yi," developed by Chinese firm Ruilong Surgical, was prominently displayed at Johnson & Johnson's booth.

In September 2025, Ruilong Surgical completed a $67 million Series D funding round led by Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson MedTech entered a strategic partnership with Ruilong Surgical to jointly commercialize the robot in China.

**Expanding into Modular Surgical Robotics** Surgical robotics has become one of the most fiercely contested segments in medical devices. The most renowned laparoscopic robot, Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system, long dominated global and domestic markets and remains the most widely installed system in China.

According to Zhongcheng Data, in Q2 2025, Intuitive Surgical still held a 53.8% market share by new installations, with the remaining share split among domestic brands like MicroPort Robotics (02252.HK) and Edge Medical.

Ruilong Surgical's laparoscopic robot only received approval in March 2025, by which time over a dozen competitors were already in the market. So, what attracted Johnson & Johnson?

Zhou explained that most surgical robots are integrated systems with limited flexibility and high space requirements, whereas "Hai Shan Yi" is China's first modular surgical robot, offering flexible configurations suitable for standard hospital operating rooms. Its modular design also reduces production and setup costs, enhancing price competitiveness. Moreover, it secured approvals for four indications—general surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecology, and urology—simultaneously, unlike competitors that typically secure approvals one by one.

Among major medtech players, Johnson & Johnson entered the robotics field relatively late but has been aggressively expanding since 2018 through multiple acquisitions, several of which have led to product approvals. Its self-developed laparoscopic robot, OTTAVA, is still in clinical trials.

"Johnson & Johnson has its own laparoscopic robot, but from registration to localization, it’s a lengthy process. We want to move faster into the market," Zhou said, noting that the two products will complement rather than compete with each other, catering to different clinical needs.

Currently, Johnson & Johnson has only one surgical robot approved in China—the MONARCH platform for natural orifice diagnostics and therapy. Zhou revealed that MONARCH is a nascent technology in China, with its first installation completed in Shanghai this year. Meanwhile, "Hai Shan Yi" aims for 500 installations within five years.

This target approaches the current installation base of da Vinci systems in China. Fosun Pharma's (600196.SH/02196.HK) 2024 annual report showed over 460 da Vinci installations in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

"In robotics, we’re slightly behind schedule because we’ve been focused on consumables. Now, surgical robotics is a priority in our surgical business. It’s a major investment," Zhou said.

Despite being a latecomer, Zhou remains optimistic about Johnson & Johnson's prospects. "Many surgeons believe robots will become standard in operating rooms, representing a huge market. As a leader in surgery, with even top robotic arms using our Harmonic scalpels, Johnson & Johnson is poised to drive industry breakthroughs."

High costs have long constrained surgical robot adoption. Zhongcheng Data shows Intuitive Surgical's systems still exceed RMB 20 million, while domestic alternatives cost millions.

Zhou believes prices can be optimized further. "We’ll continue advancing technology and refining supply chains and production to gradually lower costs."

**Partnering with Chinese Firms for Commercialization** Compared to innovative pharma, Zhou noted China's medtech firms started later in innovation and have fewer collaborations with multinationals but are catching up.

Commercialization remains a critical hurdle. Zhou highlighted three key partnerships with local medtech firms, including Ruilong Surgical, where Johnson & Johnson aids commercialization.

He attributed multinationals' stronger commercialization capabilities to two factors: "First, Chinese medtech firms are younger. Second, medical device sales are more complex than drugs—training doctors requires significant investment."

At CIIE, Johnson & Johnson also debuted a血流导向密网支架 (flow-diverting stent) for intracranial aneurysms, co-developed with Jiangsu Changyida and approved in 2024. Over 1,000 implants have been completed, and based on clinical feedback, Johnson & Johnson plans joint R&D for a second-generation product.

Zhou noted this stent’s unique features compared to imports and expressed interest in promoting it overseas. Ruilong Surgical's robot is also undergoing registrations in Europe and Latin America.

"Local Chinese firms can go global independently or partner with multinationals like us," Zhou said. "We’re optimistic but must verify product quality and stable supply chains before expanding overseas."

Zhou reaffirmed Johnson & Johnson's commitment to China, citing aging populations as a key driver of healthcare demand. "Conditions like atrial fibrillation due to aging valves are rising rapidly in China’s vast patient pool."

At CIIE, Johnson & Johnson also showcased intraocular lenses for cataracts and presbyopia, as well as orthopedic shoulder systems, all addressing aging-related needs.

Zhou noted that Johnson & Johnson has exhibited over 1,000 products at CIIE over the years, evolving from purely imported to locally partnered innovations. "This shows we’re fully integrating into China’s innovation ecosystem—no longer innovating alone."