Borns Medical

Borns Medical Robotics operates from dual headquarters in Chengdu’s Tianfu Software Park and Silicon Valley, combining Stanford University AI research with Chinese manufacturing capabilities. The company has accumulated over 300 patents worldwide covering surgical robotics and AI-assisted surgical control systems.

Company Overview

Founded in 2016 by Dr. Yao Li, a scientist from Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Robotics Center, Borns Medical brings together expertise from leading global institutions. Dr. William Levine, an IEEE Life Fellow and professor at the University of Maryland, serves as co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. The founding team includes researchers from Stanford, University of Maryland, and University of Göttingen.

The company gained international recognition when Nature Spotlight featured its open surgery platform and AI surgical control system in June 2020. Borns has established research partnerships with Fudan University’s Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital and Belgium’s ORSI Academy for surgeon training initiatives.

Core Products

Simphoni® Laparoscopic Surgical Robot

The Simphoni system features an open console design that distinguishes it from enclosed cockpit-style systems. Surgeons control robotic arms through joystick controllers while wearing 3D HD glasses and viewing a monitor, with camera and energy controls operated via foot pedals. The platform offers seven degrees of freedom with submillimeter accuracy, force feedback capabilities, and a modular design enabling integration with existing imaging and energy platforms.

Between March and May 2023, Simphoni completed its global Phase 1 clinical trial at Max Super Specialty Hospital in Vaishali, India. Six patients underwent elective robotic cholecystectomy with no conversions to open procedures, minimal blood loss, and low postoperative pain. Results published in the Journal of the Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons (2025) confirmed the system’s safety and efficacy.

TORSS® Transoral Robotic Surgery System

The TORSS system represents China’s first domestically developed transoral surgical robot, designed for minimally invasive head and neck procedures. Its flexible architecture navigates the narrow anatomy of the oral cavity and throat, with high-resolution imaging providing enhanced depth perception and panoramic views.

On October 29, 2024, TORSS achieved a historic milestone by performing the world’s first robotic glottic tumor resection at Fudan University’s Eye & ENT Hospital. The procedure on a laryngeal cancer patient with recurrent vocal cord lesions resulted in blood loss under 1 milliliter, with the patient resuming normal activities the following day.

In February 2025, the system completed the world’s first AI-powered remote non-invasive surgery across 5,000 kilometers.

Technology & Innovation

Founded in 2016 with technology from Stanford University’s AI lab, Borns Medical builds open-console surgical robots and holds over 300 patents covering mechanical design and AI control.

Borns prioritizes proprietary technology development, resulting in over 300 authorized patents covering mechanical design, control algorithms, and AI integration. The company’s surgical AI platform collects intraoperative data including vital signs, imaging, and surgeon manipulations to enable continuous system optimization through machine learning.

Key technical differentiators include:

• Open console architecture providing enhanced surgeon communication and awareness
• Modular instrument interfaces compatible with articulating and non-articulating tools
• Integrated ultrasonic energy sources
• Real-time data analytics for surgical performance improvement

Market Presence

Borns pursues a dual-track regulatory strategy targeting FDA approval in the United States and NMPA clearance in China. The company has conducted clinical trials in India and China, with plans for expanded trials in Europe and the United States.

In April 2025, Borns initiated strategic cooperation with Belgium’s ORSI Academy to establish a global medical robot training center, strengthening its international expansion capabilities.

Key Milestones

• 2016: Company founded in Chengdu by Dr. Yao Li
• 2020: Nature Spotlight coverage of AI surgical control technology
• 2023: Simphoni Phase 1 clinical trial completed in India
• 2024: TORSS performs world’s first robotic glottic tumor surgery
• 2025: First AI-powered remote surgery across 5,000 kilometers
• 2025: Partnership with ORSI Academy for global training center

Frequently Asked Questions

What products does Borns Medical offer?

Borns Medical develops two primary surgical robot systems: the Simphoni® laparoscopic robot for general surgery applications and the TORSS® transoral robot for head and neck procedures. Both systems incorporate AI-assisted surgical control technology.

Has Borns Medical received regulatory approval?

As of early 2026, both Simphoni and TORSS are in clinical trial and regulatory submission phases. The company pursues parallel FDA and NMPA approval pathways, with clinical trials conducted in India, China, and planned for European sites.

What is unique about Borns Medical’s technology?

Borns differentiates through its open console design enabling direct surgeon communication, Stanford-developed AI surgical control systems, and modular architecture compatible with existing hospital imaging and energy equipment. The company holds over 300 patents covering these innovations.