Longwell Medical

Longwell Medical (Shanghai Longwell Medical Technology Co., Ltd.) focuses exclusively on robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty, developing the TRex-RS system that claims to cover the entire surgical workflow for hip joint replacement procedures.

Company Overview

Founded in 2017 in Shanghai, Longwell Medical has positioned itself as a specialist in the hip replacement robotics segment. The company’s research and development philosophy centers on “human-machine integration and application-first” principles, aiming to bridge the gap between robotic precision and practical surgical requirements.

The company received early backing from Zhangjiang Venture Capital through angel and Series A rounds. In late 2021, Longwell secured approximately CNY 100 million in Series B financing co-led by Shanlan Capital and Sinopharm Capital, with participation from Shanghai Free Trade Zone Fund. This funding round was directed toward new product development, team expansion, and clinical promotion efforts.

Longwell maintains its headquarters in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, placing it within one of China’s designated medical device development clusters.

Core Products

TRex-RS Orthopedic Joint Surgical Navigation System

The TRex-RS represents Longwell’s flagship product, designed specifically for robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (RA-THA). Unlike some competing systems that assist only with acetabular component placement, the TRex-RS is engineered to participate in all eight stages of hip replacement surgery: femoral neck osteotomy, acetabular reaming, acetabular prosthesis implantation, femoral canal opening, distal femoral broaching, proximal femoral broaching, femoral prosthesis implantation, and reduction testing.

Key technical specifications include:

• Positioning accuracy: 0.6-0.7mm comprehensive error margin
• Tracking system: 6 degrees of freedom real-time tracking
• Design architecture: Wireless dual-body configuration without separate control console
• Intraoperative feature: Working-end locator-free technology

The system uses CT-based preoperative planning, generating 3D models from imaging data to plan acetabular anteversion, inclination angles, and femoral prosthesis positioning.

Technology & Innovation

Longwell has accumulated over 20 patent applications, with patent growth exceeding 1,400% over a three-year period according to patent database analyses. The company’s intellectual property portfolio concentrates on robotic systems, orthopedic surgery methodologies, joint replacement procedures, femoral condyle applications, and containment hole technologies.

The TRex-RS system differentiates itself through several proprietary features. The wireless architecture eliminates the need for a separate surgeon console, allowing operating surgeons to directly manipulate the robotic arm while maintaining autonomous control. The real-time tracking system provides continuous feedback without requiring additional intraoperative locators attached to the patient.

Clinical Development

Longwell has conducted multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the TRex-RS system’s clinical performance. Trial data published in international peer-reviewed journals including the International Journal of Surgery (2024) and Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (2024) have compared robot-assisted versus manual hip arthroplasty outcomes.

Clinical milestones include:

• March 2021: Initiated multicenter RCT across multiple hospitals
• 2021: Completed first TRex-RS assisted total hip arthroplasty at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital
• 2021: Launched clinical trials in collaboration with Weifang People’s Hospital

Published research has demonstrated the system’s accuracy in achieving planned acetabular component orientation, femoral stem alignment, and leg length discrepancy control. Network meta-analyses comparing multiple RA-THA systems (including MAKO, ROBODOC, Tianji, and Jianjia) have included TRex data in comparative effectiveness assessments.

Market Position

Longwell operates in the orthopedic surgical robotics segment, competing with both international systems (Stryker’s MAKO) and domestic manufacturers (Tinavi’s Tianji, Jianjia’s ARTHROBOT). The company’s focused approach on hip arthroplasty distinguishes it from broader orthopedic robot platforms that address spine, trauma, and joint applications simultaneously.

The TRex-RS system remains in the clinical trial and registration pathway, with NMPA approval pending as of early 2026.

Key Milestones

• 2017: Company established in Shanghai
• 2021: Completed Series A funding from Zhangjiang Venture Capital
• 2021: First clinical cases performed with TRex-RS system
• 2021: Closed Series B round (~CNY 100M) led by Shanlan Capital and Sinopharm Capital
• 2024: Multiple peer-reviewed publications on clinical trial outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions

What surgical procedures does the TRex-RS system support?

The TRex-RS is designed specifically for total hip arthroplasty procedures. It assists surgeons throughout all eight surgical steps, from initial femoral neck osteotomy through final reduction testing, rather than focusing only on acetabular or femoral components individually.

Has Longwell Medical’s robot received NMPA approval?

As of January 2026, the TRex-RS orthopedic joint surgical navigation system remains in clinical trial and regulatory review stages. The company has completed multicenter RCTs and published clinical data, but formal NMPA market authorization is pending.

Who are Longwell Medical’s investors?

Key investors include Zhangjiang Venture Capital (angel and Series A), Shanlan Capital, Sinopharm Capital, and Shanghai Free Trade Zone Fund. The Series B round in 2021 raised approximately CNY 100 million.