NISI

NISI (HK) Limited is a Hong Kong-based medical device company founded in 2012, focused on developing surgical robotics technology for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The company has raised approximately $65.6 million in funding and collaborates with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The University of Hong Kong, and the University of Cambridge to advance its core technology platform.

Company Overview

NISI was established with a vision to make non-invasive surgical procedures a commonplace reality. The company specializes in developing robotic systems that can perform complex abdominal and pelvic surgeries without external incisions, entering the body through natural orifices such as the rectum or vagina. This approach eliminates visible scarring and aims to reduce recovery time and surgical complications.

The company operates with backing from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government through the Innovation and Technology Fund. NISI’s research and development work brings together expertise in precision engineering, robotics, and minimally invasive surgery from leading academic institutions in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

Core Products

NSRS (Novel Surgical Robotic System)

NISI’s primary product under development is the Novel Surgical Robotic System (NSRS), which represents a significant technical departure from conventional surgical robots. Unlike existing systems that require multiple abdominal incisions, NSRS features fully internally motorized surgical arms that can enter the body through a single small incision or natural orifice and expand inside the patient to perform various surgical operations.

The system incorporates proprietary micro-motor technology capable of generating sufficient force for surgical operations while remaining small enough to pass through natural body openings. NSRS provides haptic (tactile) feedback to surgeons, addressing a limitation of many existing surgical robots that lack force sensation during tissue manipulation.

Technology & Innovation

NISI’s technology development draws on expertise originally developed for space exploration instruments at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The NSRS represents the first robotic system with in-vivo motors that combine miniaturization with adequate power output for surgical applications.

Key technical specifications include:

• Up to 10 degrees of freedom for the complete system
• Up to 7 degrees of freedom per robotic arm
• Custom brushless DC motors with diameters of 4-8 millimeters
• Integrated 3D camera system
• Multiple robotic arms configurable with different surgical tools
• Portable design compatible with standard surgical tables

The system’s transformable architecture allows robotic arms to be disassembled for insertion and reassembled inside the body cavity, inspired by morphing robot concepts that enable adaptation to different surgical procedures.

Development Progress

NISI has demonstrated its technology through a series of animal experiments conducted in collaboration with the Department of Surgery at The University of Hong Kong:

• December 2015: Initial successful animal surgical experiments using NSRS prototype
• February 2016: Completed robotic cholecystectomy within one hour on a live pig model
• Summer 2018: Successfully performed series of gynecological operations on pig models via rectal insertion

These experiments were conducted at the Surgical Skills Centre of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU. As of the most recent public disclosures in 2019, the company planned to proceed with human clinical trials in 2021; however, updated information regarding clinical progress has not been publicly released.

Academic Collaboration

NISI’s development program involves multi-institutional collaboration:

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Provides expertise in precision instruments and mechatronics, led by Prof. Yung Kai-leung
• The University of Hong Kong: Clinical expertise in minimally invasive surgery through Prof. Yeung Chung-kwong and Prof. Law Wai-lun
• University of Cambridge: Additional research partnership for robotic system development

Prof. Law Wai-lun serves as the Anthony and Anne Cheung Professor in Innovative and Minimally Invasive Surgery and Director of the Surgical Skills Centre at HKU, providing clinical oversight for NSRS development.

Market Context

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represents an emerging frontier in minimally invasive surgery, offering potential advantages over conventional laparoscopic approaches:

• Complete elimination of abdominal wall incisions
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Faster patient recovery
• No visible external scarring

However, NOTES adoption has been limited by the complexity of available instrumentation and technical challenges of operating through confined natural passages. NISI’s robotic approach aims to address these limitations by providing enhanced dexterity and control within the surgical field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NISI (HK) Limited?

NISI is a Hong Kong-based medical device company developing robotic surgical systems for natural orifice surgery. Founded in 2012, the company collaborates with universities in Hong Kong and Cambridge to create technology enabling scarless abdominal and pelvic procedures.

What products does NISI develop?

NISI’s primary product is the NSRS (Novel Surgical Robotic System), a natural orifice surgical robot featuring internally motorized arms with haptic feedback. The system can enter the body through natural openings and expand inside the abdomen to perform surgical operations.

Has NISI’s surgical robot received regulatory approval?

As of publicly available information, NSRS remains in the research and development phase. The company completed successful animal experiments between 2015-2018, with plans for human trials announced in 2019. No regulatory approvals (NMPA, CE, or FDA) have been disclosed.

How much funding has NISI raised?

NISI has raised approximately $65.6 million in funding, with support from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government through the Innovation and Technology Fund.