Beyond one robot: How hospitals are expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery
The landscape of surgical care is evolving, hospitals are increasingly adopting multiple robotic platforms, and new entrants into the robotic surgical space are providing new options. This shift isn’t just about healthy competition or keeping up with technology — it’s about empowering surgeons and providing access to robotic surgery for more patients all around the world.
Choice fuels innovation
When hospitals offer multiple robotic systems, they create real benefits for both their surgeons and their patients. Surgeons gain the flexibility to choose the platform that best fits their technique or patient needs, while hospitals avoid depending on a single vendor.
By working with multiple companies, hospitals also help drive innovation. Healthy competition pushes companies to deliver better technology, create more value, and ultimately, provide better outcomes for patients. It’s a win for everyone.
“Our system is different — and we believe that difference brings real value.”
— Rajit Kamal, VP and General Manager, Robotic Surgical Technologies, Medtronic
Meeting the growing demand for robotic surgery
The momentum behind robotic surgery continues to build. As more surgeries shift toward robotic-assisted procedures, hospitals are feeling the pressure to expand access. Many existing systems are fully booked, leaving surgeons eager for more availability and operating time. We've seen this time and time again in Western Europe and other countries.
This isn’t about replacing what’s already working — it’s about enabling expansion. Hospitals that invest in expanding robotic capacity give their surgeons the flexibility they need, offering more time on the robot and increasing access without disrupting current workflows.
Modular design brings flexibility
When surgical robotic systems are difficult to move, it can limit the number of patients who have access to robotic surgery on any given day. That’s why we built the Hugo™ robotic-assisted (RAS) system differently — to enable portability and flexibility within the hospital. One of the Hugo™ RAS system advantages is it’s high portability. Hospitals don't have to dedicate one OR just for robotics.
We have customers who use an OR for laparoscopy in the morning and then easily move the Hugo™ RAS system to the same OR for a robotic case later in the day. That flexibility makes it easier for hospitals to ramp up their robotic programs without reworking their entire OR setup.
Investing in training
As we work with customers to introduce a new robotic platform, questions about training and what this new system means for their teams consistenly rise to the top. Teams get used to the system they work with day in and day out. When you introduce something new, there's a natural learning curve. Our training pathway prepares surgeons and staff to feel confident with Hugo™ RAS system and comfortable moving from one system to another.
Our legacy has always been rooted in training. It's one part of how we've helped advance surgery — and how we continue to do so today. We've invested in proficiency-based training, a new approach to robotic surgery training, designed to build proficiency for both the surgeon and the OR staff from first case to long-term growth.
“When building a multi-platform program, hospitals should focus on training and connecting with a partner who will be aligned with your goals for the short and long term.”
— Rajit Kamal, VP and General Manager, Robotic Surgical Technologies, Medtronic
Elevating the standard for service and support
Beyond the technology, we provide hands-on support through our dedicated startup specialists. These technical experts stay with surgical teams in the OR during early cases and guide the entire onboarding process. That consistent, on-site presence gives teams confidence and continuity, and our customers tell us it makes a real difference as they bring a new robotic platform into practice.
As robotic programs grow, utilization becomes a critical factor in success. Startup specialists partner closely with hospitals to review performance metrics, align on short- and long-term goals, and guide service and support strategies — helping teams expand capacity while staying aligned to their unique vision.
The Hugo™ RAS system’s open console further supports this collaborative approach. We’ve had surgeons at teaching hospitals tell us it’s a huge plus. They can have four or five observers watching the hand movements and the procedural movements of the instruments simultaneously. It’s a great way to facilitate learning that isn’t possible with closed, immersive consoles.
Building toward long-term success
Multi-platform success doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built through preparation, partnership, and ongoing support. By prioritizing training and working with a partner invested in their long-term vision, hospitals can unlock the full potential of a multi-platform approach. That belief guides everything we do, and it’s why we continue to evolve our training and support programs — to help our customers not only adopt new technology, but truly succeed with it.
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