CathBot

CathBot (Shanghai) Robotics operates as a Sino-French joint venture established to commercialize vascular interventional robotic technology in the Chinese market. Formed through the partnership between MicroPort MedBot (51%) and French company Robocath S.A.S (49%), the company introduced the first commercially approved coronary PCI surgical robot in China — a position the R-ONE platform held alone until WeMed Medical’s ETcath received NMPA approval in March 2025 as the first fully domestically developed coronary interventional robot.

Company Overview

The joint venture was announced in October 2020 when MicroPort MedBot and Robocath signed the definitive agreement to bring Robocath’s vascular intervention technology to China. CathBot was officially registered in Shanghai in March 2021, with the mission of localizing production and assembly of the R-ONE robotic system, developing additional vascular intervention robotic systems, and advancing 5G remote surgery and artificial intelligence capabilities.

CathBot represents a significant collaboration model in China’s medical robotics industry, combining European vascular robotics expertise with domestic market access and manufacturing capabilities. The partnership builds on Robocath’s CE-certified platform—the first robot system in Europe to obtain CE certification in interventional cardiology—while establishing local production infrastructure.

Core Products

R-ONE Vascular Interventional Surgical Robot

R-ONE is a master-slave controlled robotic platform designed to assist interventional cardiologists in performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. The system received NMPA approval on December 8, 2023, becoming China’s first commercially approved coronary vascular intervention surgical robot to complete multicenter clinical trials.

The robot features dual-finger grasp mimic technology that replicates physician hand movements with 0 to 360-degree rotation capability and sub-millimeter stepping precision. Key features include 3-second quick installation/removal, one-key device exchange during procedures, and full-coverage sterile barriers that maintain complete isolation between guidewires/catheters and the robotic arm.

Technology & Innovation

The R-ONE platform incorporates several proprietary technologies that differentiate it from competing systems. The bionic dual-finger manipulation mimics natural operator gestures, enabling continuous and stable delivery of guidewires and catheters through complex lesions and tortuous vasculature. One-key locking/unlocking technology secures access to target lesions during navigation.

The system’s radiation protection capabilities are substantial—large-angle full-protection screens reduce operator radiation exposure by more than 90%. Visual comparison at close range combined with high-precision instrument control reduces unnecessary fluoroscopy and contrast agent usage, benefiting both physicians and patients.

CathBot is actively developing 5G remote robotic PCI technology. In July 2023, the company demonstrated this capability when Professor Yundai Chen at PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital) remotely operated R-ONE across 2,800 kilometers via 5G network to perform China’s first ultra-long-distance robotic PCI surgery in collaboration with Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People’s Hospital.

Clinical Evidence

CathBot’s multicenter clinical trial enrolled 145-149 patients across four leading hospitals: PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital) as the lead center, Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital, Meizhou People’s Hospital, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People’s Hospital. The trial achieved 100% procedural success rate and 100% technical success rate.

During clinical validation, R-ONE successfully completed various challenging and complex cases including dual-branch lesions, large-angle twisted vessels with poor coaxiality, diffuse long lesions, calcified lesions, ostial anomalies, and sub-total occlusions. Multiple centers performed consecutive triple-procedure days, validating the system’s stability and reliability. The shortest recorded procedure time was 11 minutes.

Market Presence

R-ONE’s approval fills a gap in China’s PCI surgical robot market. The system’s architecture maintains compatibility with mainstream interventional devices and catheterization laboratory equipment currently in use. CathBot positions itself within MicroPort MedBot’s broader portfolio, which includes products spanning laparoscopy (Toumai), orthopedics (Honghu), and percutaneous puncture (Mona Lisa).

The Chinese coronary intervention market presents substantial growth potential. Industry projections suggest coronary angioplasty procedures in China will reach 3.2 million annually by 2030, driven by population growth, aging demographics, and increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Key Milestones

• 2020-10: MicroPort MedBot and Robocath announced joint venture agreement
• 2021-03: CathBot (Shanghai) Robotics officially registered
• 2021-11: Completed first R-ONE-assisted PCI procedure in China at 301 Hospital
• 2022-05: Completed all multicenter registration clinical trials
• 2023-07: Performed China’s first 5G ultra-remote (2,800 km) robotic PCI surgery
• 2023-12: R-ONE received NMPA market approval

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CathBot an independent company or part of MicroPort MedBot?

CathBot is a joint venture company, not a subsidiary. MicroPort MedBot holds 51% ownership while French company Robocath S.A.S holds 49%. The company operates with a specific focus on vascular interventional robotics, while benefiting from both partners’ expertise and resources.

What procedures can the R-ONE robot perform?

R-ONE is designed for robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, primarily stent implantation and coronary angioplasty. The system has demonstrated capability in complex cases including calcified lesions, tortuous vessels, and sub-total occlusions during clinical trials.

How does R-ONE compare to other PCI robots globally?

R-ONE is based on Robocath’s technology platform, which was the first to receive CE certification for interventional cardiology robotics in Europe (February 2019). Key differentiators include its dual-finger grasp mimic technology, 90%+ radiation reduction for operators, and demonstrated 5G remote surgery capability.