REVO

“Korean Surgical Robotic System 'Revo-i' Gaining Traction in the U.S. and Europe”

"The Revo-i surgical robotic system by meerecompany has undergone significant upgrades. I now believe it is fully capable of being applied to high-complexity surgeries, such as cancer surgeries. Especially considering its cost-effectiveness, it's a system that could be considered for adoption in 200–300 bed general hospitals, tertiary hospitals, and especially university hospitals."

Professor Kyo Young Song (Stomach Surgery), head of the Robotic Surgery Center at the Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, shared his perspective during a meeting with reporters from 10 healthcare media outlets on July 24th, at a hands-on workshop for Revo-i, held at the Catholic International Bioskills Center. The workshop targeted specialists in gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, and urology.

Professor Song first noted that Revo-i has made significant technological advancements. "When I first used Revo-i four years ago, it was not as developed as it is now. This workshop was organized to test the upgraded Revo-i system," he explained. Professor Song praised the Korean company's efforts to compete in the surgical robot market, dominated by global giants.

Kyo Young Song, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

▶ ‘Revo-i’s’ Significant Technological Advancements... Feasible for University Hospital Adoption

"Four years ago, the performance was lacking. But now, excellent energy devices have been introduced, screen resolution has improved significantly to HD quality, and hand movements have greatly improved," he explained. "We should not use Revo-i just because it is a Korean product. In fact, it is a robotic system that can compete with global giants, and that's something to be proud of."

Professor Song particularly emphasized that Revo-i is cost-effective and applicable to complex surgeries like cancer operations, making it a system worth considering for adoption in general hospitals with 200–300 beds, tertiary hospitals, and university hospitals.

Saudi Arabian medical professionals who who attended the workshop also shared this positive assessment. praised Revo-i for its excellent performance and reasonable price, noting little difference in user experience compared to existing surgical robot systems. They were particularly impressed by the 3D viewer and expressed hope for Revo-i's quick adoption in Saudi Arabia.

▶ Overseas Medical Professionals Highly Rate Revo-i's Price and Performance... Expect Quick Adoption

Professor Song also called for aggressive marketing of Revo-i in the global market.

"Revo-i should not be satisfied with being similar to existing systems but should continue to make efforts to incorporate new ideas and advantages for further development," he explained. "The ability to operate the system at a low cost is a significant advantage, so I hope the development continues with that focus."

He particularly emphasized the need for Revo-i to earn confidence and devise future strategies necessary to compete in the U.S. and European markets, not just in developing countries.

▶ Confident Future Strategies Needed for Expansion into U.S. and European Markets

He stated, "A leading American company is a global giant, with over 150 units deployed in Korea, including five at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The existing U.S.-made systems are well-established and provide several benefits. Therefore, the entry of the Korean surgical robot 'Revo-i' into the market is significant. The Revo-i system can be utilized for high-complexity surgeries, such as cancer surgeries. Considering its cost-effectiveness, it is worth considering for both secondary hospitals and university hospitals."

He also pointed out that Revo-i has the advantage of having very reasonable consumable and maintenance costs, making it stable for operation in general hospitals. Existing U.S.-made system costs 2-3 billion Won to implement, whereas Revo-i is much cheaper, at about half the cost, with consumable and maintenance costs also being about half.

"When medical institutions consider introducing a surgical robot, many factors come into play. If Seoul St. Mary's Hospital plans to introduce additional surgical robots, Revo-i would be under consideration," Professor Song said. "The workshop aims to provide medical professionals who use surgical robots with the opportunity to test Revo-i. We plan to hold more workshops in the future."

"I understand that meerecompany is also very interested in this area," he added. "Seoul St. Mary's Hospital highly recommends cadaver system tests, and it is an excellent system, making it a suitable training venue."

▶ Revo-i Considered for Additional Adoption at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

Professor Song stressed that for Revo-i to be competitive in the global market, new ideas that surpass existing technologies are essential.

"Revo-i has caught up significantly with existing robotic systems. The challenge with developing Korean medical devices is that it takes a lot of time to reach the level of the leading products. Even matching the level of existing products can be considered a success," he said.

He emphasized the need for new surgical robots to surpass existing products with innovative ideas.

"Revo-i represents new technology. There is a need for new ideas and technologies that go beyond existing products. This development is essential," he said. "Given the speed of Revo-i's development, I expect it will soon surpass existing products."

▶ New Ideas Needed to Strengthen Revo-i's Global Competitiveness

Meanwhile, Professor Song emphasized that for Korean surgical robots to advance further and gain global competitiveness, companies must develop the best products and collaboration between government and medical institutions will be crucial.

"Introducing equipment to top-tier hospitals and securing meaningful clinical cases as references for other medical institutions, along with government support for clinical research to obtain international certification, is crucial," he said. "The best products shouldn't just be on par with existing systems; they need to create unique advantages through new ideas. This technology is essential, and I expect Revo-i to succeed in this regard," Professor Song concluded.

Korean article: https://www.whosaeng.com/153872