HICREN and Interventional Systems Forge Strategic JV to Launch Next-Gen Miniature Orthopedic Surgical Robots in China

Recently, Ningbo Huakerun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Interventional Systems (INS), an innovative European surgical robotics company, have reached an agreement on technical and commercial collaboration to jointly enter the Chinese market for micro-surgical robots in orthopedics. A new joint venture, Zhongou Zhiwei (Shanghai) Robotics Co., Ltd., is set to be established in Shanghai. Leveraging the R&D expertise of both parties, Shanghai’s strategic location, and the scientific research background of Double First-Class universities, the company will rapidly develop and launch products based on the high-quality intraoperative positioning platform Micromate, while continuously innovating and upgrading its offerings.^TMthe new generation of miniature orthopedic surgical robots.

As the core vehicle driving comprehensive automation and artificial intelligence in healthcare, surgical robots are experiencing rapid development in both the Chinese and global markets. Orthopedic surgical robots are gaining increasing recognition from physicians, trust from patients, and preference from healthcare institutions due to their ability to meet clinical demands for precision, minimally invasive procedures, and reduced X-ray exposure during intraoperative positioning and navigation. Robot-assisted orthopedic surgeries have also been included in fee schedules or covered by medical insurance in multiple provinces and cities across China. Meanwhile, existing orthopedic surgical robots still suffer from drawbacks such as bulky size, complex operation, prolonged procedure times, and high costs, which to some extent hinder market growth and technology adoption. There is an urgent clinical and market need for a differentiated, miniaturized robot that is compact, user-friendly, fast-operating, cost-effective, and easy to popularize.

Micromate, known as the world's most compact percutaneous minimally invasive surgical positioning platform^TMWeighing only 2 kilograms, the system leverages precision manufacturing and fine control to achieve sub-millimeter accurate positioning. It enables coordinated operation with various imaging devices, including O-arm/G-arm, CBCT, and C-arm systems, demonstrating strong applicability and scalability. The platform has received FDA approval and gained widespread clinical recognition and adoption in orthopedics. Building on this platform, Zhongou Zhiwei’s new generation of orthopedic surgical robots will feature a highly targeted surgical planning and navigation system. Compared to existing market products, it significantly optimizes operational modules and workflows, achieves full-process surgical visualization, and offers a comprehensive range of surgical accessories tailored to clinical needs. Positioned at a competitive price point for broad market access, it addresses the shortcomings of current products while meeting clinicians’ practical needs through differentiated technological features and human-centered design. The new-generation surgical robot is suitable for multiple applications, including spinal internal fixation, spinal interventional procedures, percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery, and sports medicine surgeries, providing the clinical community and the market with a comprehensive micro-precise robotic-assisted surgical solution.

The controlling parent company of Zhongou Zhiwei (Shanghai) Robotics Co., Ltd., Ningbo Huakerun Biotechnology Co., Ltd., is a National High-Tech Enterprise specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of minimally invasive orthopedic products, and stands as a global leader in curved kyphoplasty technology. The company has filed 114 patent applications, with 64 granted, and possesses a comprehensive portfolio of kyphoplasty products. Its innovative product lines span interbody fusion and non-fusion systems, bone repair materials, sports medicine, spinal implants, endoscopy systems, and artificial intelligence. Guided by its core values of “Innovation, Passion, Efficiency, Meticulousness, Joy, Candor, Collaboration, and Empathy,” Huakerun has assembled a team of senior executives from Fortune 500 companies and domestic and international listed enterprises, as well as outstanding medical device R&D professionals. Through continuous innovation and integration, the team is committed to transforming Huakerun into an innovative, robot-enabled platform enterprise for minimally invasive orthopedics.

Austria-based Interventional Systems (INS) is the developer of Micromate, a new-generation navigation robotic platform^TMas the designer and manufacturer, possesses strong R&D capabilities and technical reserves for micro-surgical navigation and positioning devices, and its developed products have obtained CE and U.S. FDA approval. Interventional Systems (INS) continues to collaborate with its strategic partners to develop specialized surgical robot systems for various medical departments. In cranial neurosurgery, Interventional Systems (INS) is Medtronic’s micro-robot Stealth Autoguide^TMAs a joint R&D partner, its advanced robotic arm technology has been highly recognized and widely adopted in the global market. In the field of minimally invasive spine surgery, its spine robot, Fusion Robotics, developed in collaboration with top-tier spinal surgeon teams in the United States, received FDA approval in March 2021. Subsequently, it strategically merged with Integrity Implants, a minimally invasive spine company, to form Accelus, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive minimally invasive spine solutions centered around surgical robots. In the Chinese market, Interventional Systems (INS) will provide strong technical input for the co-development of the new-generation robot by Zhongou Zhiwei. The R&D teams from China and Austria will work closely together to further expand the application scenarios and dimensions of the existing navigation platform, creating an internationally leading, Chinese-made surgical assistance system.

Ma Yan, CEO of Ningbo Huakerun, expressed high expectations and confidence in this strategic partnership: “Huakerun is a Chinese medical technology company dedicated to providing innovative minimally invasive solutions for spine and sports medicine. Micromate^TM“With its highly precise design, efficient workflow, and exceptional user experience, these are the critical attributes and foundations underpinning the launch of our new generation of robotic products. We will collaborate closely with the Interventional Systems (INS) team and leading Chinese experts in spine and sports medicine to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies’ products and technologies, delivering highly innovative and cost-effective robot-assisted surgical solutions to the Chinese market.”

Michael Vogele, CEO of Interventional Systems (INS), and Pedro Costa, Chief Product Officer, stated: “The value of our team’s mission is to provide clinicians with a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and fully featured robotic platform. Over the past decade, our team has been dedicated to developing miniature minimally invasive robotic solutions. We are delighted to collaborate with companies like HuaKeRun, which boasts extensive successful experience and case studies in product portfolio management and market promotion. China is a market we are eager to develop, and we look forward to realizing our vision here by achieving better therapeutic outcomes through minimally invasive robotic procedures.”

Technologies and products in the field of minimally invasive orthopedics in China are undergoing unprecedented rapid innovation. The strategic partnership between Ningbo Huakerun and Interventional Systems (INS) will fully leverage the respective resource and technological advantages of both companies, fostering mutual growth and synergy to rapidly explore new directions in minimally invasive orthopedic products and micro-surgical robotics. Guided by intelligent technology and pioneering minimally invasive innovations for the future, Zhongou Zhiwei (Shanghai) Robotics Co., Ltd. will adhere to a pragmatic development philosophy, establish successful business models, and continuously inject innovative elements. This will bring more diverse concepts and sustained momentum to the fields of minimally invasive orthopedics and surgical robotics, which we look forward to witnessing together.