Intuitive Surgical Korea, a global leader in robotic-assisted surgical systems, hosted the Intuitive 360 Korea 2026 event at Walkerhill Seoul in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on July 25, the company announced on July 28.
The event brought together approximately 100 attendees, including executives from major domestic medical institutions, directors of robotic surgery centers, and nursing and administrative leaders. Participants engaged in discussions about the future of minimally invasive surgery in the digital transformation era and strategies for implementing robotic-assisted surgical programs from a hospital management perspective.
This gathering marked the debut of Intuitive 360 Korea, a rebranded version of the former Korea Executive Summit, aligning with Intuitive’s global event series. The event, themed, The Future of Minimally Invasive Surgery Unlocked by Digital Transformation, was structured into three comprehensive sessions.
The opening session was moderated by Dr. Han Sang-Wook, Vice President and Medical Center Director at Ajou University. Notable speakers included Kwon Deok-Cheol, former Minister of Health and Welfare; Yang Han-Kwang, Director of the National Cancer Center; and Kang Sang-Wook, Deputy Director of Yonsei Cancer Hospital.
Discussions centered on the evolution of minimally invasive surgery, touching on key topics such as healthcare system reform, the establishment of regionally integrated medical networks, the importance of clinical evidence in robotic-assisted surgery, and Severance Hospital’s milestone achievement of 50,000 robotic-assisted procedures.
The second session featured insights from executives and medical professionals from Sharp HealthCare in the United States, who shared their experiences in managing robotic-assisted surgical programs. A subsequent panel discussion provided a platform for hospital executives and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas on digital transformation in healthcare and strategies for developing a robust ecosystem for robotic-assisted surgery.
The final session highlighted case studies of robotic-assisted surgical programs in Korean hospitals and strategies to boost regional healthcare competitiveness. Dr. Lee Jeong-Jae, Vice President of Soonchunhyang University and Central Medical Center, led a discussion on sustainable operational practices and expansion strategies.
An innovative Ecosystem Zone was set up at the event, showcasing technologies and solutions to support the implementation and management of robotic-assisted surgical programs. Attendees had hands-on experiences with cutting-edge robotic surgical platforms, digital solutions, educational programs, and operational optimization tools.
Choi Yong-Beom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Intuitive Surgical Korea, emphasized that the sustainable advancement of robotic-assisted surgery requires a holistic approach, integrating technology, medical staff education, efficient surgical team operations, data-driven program management, and intra-hospital collaboration. It’s committed to being a long-term partner for hospitals, helping them build tailored robotic-assisted surgical ecosystems that align with their objectives and expand the reach of minimally invasive surgery.
Since its inception in 2012, Intuitive Surgical Korea has been at the forefront of advancing minimally invasive surgery in the country. The company has played a crucial role in supplying and providing technical support for the da Vinci surgical system, as well as conducting research. As of March 2026, the company boasts a workforce of over 200 employees in Korea.