Surgical Robot – What Is It and How Does Robotic Surgery Work?

What Is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a surgical approach that uses advanced robotic systems to support surgeons during procedures. Contrary to popular belief, a surgical robot does not operate autonomously—all movements are controlled directly by the surgeon from a dedicated surgical console.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at the console and views the surgical field in high resolution. Hand movements are translated into precise motions performed by the robotic arms, which manipulate surgical instruments inside the patient's body.

Robotic surgery is an evolution of minimally invasive surgery, where procedures are performed through small incisions. This approach may reduce surgical trauma, postoperative pain, and recovery time.

How Is Robotic Surgery Developing Worldwide?

Over the past two decades, robotic surgery has become one of the most important directions in modern surgical innovation. The global surgical robotics market continues to expand rapidly, and the number of robotic procedures performed each year is steadily increasing.

Today, more than one million robotic surgeries are performed annually worldwide, with this number continuing to grow as technology advances and systems become more widely available.

While the market was once dominated by a limited number of manufacturers, it is now experiencing significant diversification. New platforms, particularly from Asian technology companies, are introducing innovative solutions and expanding access to robotic surgery.

How Does KANGDUO Fit into the Development of Robotic Surgery?

One example of a new-generation robotic platform is the KANGDUO Robot SR2000, developed by Sagebot.

The system features a four-arm column-based architecture and an open surgical console. It has obtained CE marking and is approved for use within European markets. Kwas designed for complex minimally invasive procedures while maintaining high levels of precision and surgeon comfort.

KANGDUO systems are already being used in more than 30 hospitals in China, primarily in large university medical centers, as well as in other countries across Asia and South America. To date, more than 10,000 surgical procedures have been performed using the platform.

As Beryl Med, we are responsible for the distribution of the KANGDUO system across 15 Central European countries and are actively developing its presence throughout the region.

In recent months, the system has been extensively showcased and evaluated both at our headquarters in Józefów, Poland, and during key industry events, including:

• European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress (London, 2026)
• Society of Robotic Surgery Annual Meeting (Strasbourg, 2025)
• Congress of the Polish Society of Surgeons (2025)
• Challenges in Laparoscopy & Robotics (Rome, 2024)
• Workshops and presentations for the medical community, including events at the Medical Simulation and Innovation Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw

The system has also been demonstrated in a clinical environment at the University Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, where physicians had the opportunity to evaluate its capabilities in practice.

Since April 2026, the KANGDUO robot has been installed at Mazovia Hospital in Ząbki, where it is being prepared for clinical use. The first procedures performed with the system are expected soon—not only the first in Poland, but also the first in Europe.

How Is a Surgical Robot Built?

Modern robotic surgery systems consist of several key components that create an integrated surgical environment.

In the case of KANGDUO, these include:

• Surgical console (one standard console, second optional)
• Vision cart with endoscopic imaging system
• Patient cart with robotic arms
• Surgical instruments and accessories

The system is equipped with advanced 3D 4K visualization and technologies that support surgical precision, including motion scaling and tremor filtration.

What Does a Robotic Procedure Look Like?

During surgery, the surgeon controls the system from the console while viewing the operative field through an enlarged 3D image.

The surgeon’s hand movements are translated into stable and precise movements of the robotic instruments.

The KANGDUO platform provides smooth instrument motion and a high degree of dexterity, which is particularly valuable during complex surgical procedures.

Who Participates in a Robotic Procedure?

Robotic surgery is a team-based process involving:

• The console surgeon
• A bedside surgical assistant
• Scrub nurses
• The anesthesia team

A surgical robot supports the work of the operating team—it does not replace healthcare professionals.

Are Robotic Procedures Safe?

Robotic surgery is considered one of the most technologically advanced methods of minimally invasive surgery.

Robotic systems provide:

• High instrument stability
• Tremor filtration
• Precise replication of surgeon movements
• High-quality visualization of the surgical field

These features enable surgeons to perform procedures requiring exceptional precision while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

KANGDUO in Poland and Europe

The KANGDUO system is now available in Poland, with the first robot already delivered and prepared for clinical deployment.

This marks an important milestone in the development of robotic surgery across Central Europe.

As Beryl Med, we are responsible for advancing this technology across 15 countries—from the Baltic States to the Balkans. Our objective is not only to implement robotic systems in hospitals but also to help develop the competencies of medical teams.

For this reason, we are simultaneously developing a dedicated training center in Poland that will support physicians from across the region in gaining experience with robotic surgery.

Expert Commentary

"Entering the field of surgical robotics is a natural step in our company's development. For more than 35 years, we have been involved in minimally invasive surgery and have supported the advancement of modern medical technologies.
In recent years, we have observed the rapid growth of robotics, particularly in Asia, where new platforms are emerging alongside established market leaders. KANGDUO combines high precision, ergonomic design, and advanced technological features such as 3D 4K visualization and telesurgery capabilities.
We see significant potential for this technology in Europe and want to play an active role in its development, including through the creation of a training center for physicians from across the region."

Adam Karwowski

Robotic Products Division Manager

Sources

• https://www.mzdrowie.pl/medycyna/raport-chirurgia-robotowa-2025/
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) / PubMed
• JAMA Surgery
• European Urology
• Markets and Markets – Surgical Robots Market
• Sagebot materials
• Beryl Med materials