Point Robotics

Point Robotics MedTech Inc. became Taiwan’s first surgical robotics company to achieve FDA clearance when its Kinguide system received 510(k) approval in August 2022. Based in Hsinchu Science Park, the company has developed a distinctive approach to orthopedic surgery assistance using handheld robotic technology combined with surgical navigation.

Company Overview

Founded in 2016 with support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology startup incubation program, Point Robotics focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery solutions. The company’s international advisory team traces its technical lineage to Professor Brian Davies at Imperial College London, establishing foundational expertise in surgical robotics.

Point Robotics completed an $18 million Series A funding round in May 2020, led by Taiwania Capital with participation from Taiwan’s National Development Fund and Translink Capital. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Xindian and relocated its headquarters to Zhubei in 2023.

In 2023, Point Robotics joined Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s JLABS@SSF accelerator in San Francisco, positioning the company for expanded U.S. market development. The company has obtained EN ISO 13485:2016 certification for its quality management system.

Core Products

Kinguide Robotic-Assisted Surgical System

The flagship product represents a novel approach in surgical robotics: a handheld robotic framework equipped with a parallel manipulator. Unlike conventional surgical robots that operate from a remote console, the Kinguide system allows surgeons to work directly at the operative site while benefiting from robotic precision enhancement.

The system integrates navigation and handheld drilling capabilities, assisting surgeons in bone drilling and screw placement during spine procedures. The parallel manipulator design compensates for hand tremor and guides precise instrument positioning.

Kinguide Agile Hybrid Navigation System

This surgical navigation platform provides intraoperative imaging integration with real-time 3D anatomical visualization. The system received FDA clearance in 2023 and has been recognized with Taiwan Excellence Award.

Technology & Innovation

Point Robotics’ core innovation lies in combining handheld ergonomics with robotic precision. The parallel manipulator architecture provides multiple degrees of freedom while maintaining the intuitive control of direct surgical manipulation.

The navigation platform employs automated image processing algorithms to convert intraoperative scans into 3D anatomical models in real time. This enables continuous position tracking without requiring preoperative CT planning in many cases.

The company holds the distinction of developing the world’s first handheld robot framework with parallel manipulator specifically designed for orthopedic applications.

Market Presence

Point Robotics has accumulated over 370 clinical cases in Taiwan as of 2024, with installations at major medical centers including China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital. The company established an AI Minimally Invasive Spine Center collaboration in 2024.

Following FDA clearance, Point Robotics initiated U.S. market entry with product demonstrations for surgeons on the West Coast. The company has exhibited at major spine surgery conferences including SMISS, NASS, and EUROSPINE.

Point Robotics indicated plans to pursue CE Mark certification in Europe and NMPA approval in China following its FDA clearance, though the current status of these applications has not been publicly confirmed.

Key Milestones

• 2016: Company founded in Zhubei Biomedical Science Park
• 2018: Completed angel round funding
• 2020: Closed $18M Series A funding
• 2021: Received Taipei Biotech Award (Silver) for Technical Innovation
• 2022: FDA 510(k) clearance for Kinguide surgical robot system; TFDA approval obtained
• 2023: FDA clearance for navigation system; joined JLABS@SSF accelerator; ISO 13485 certification
• 2024: Clinical installations exceed 370 cases; awarded D&B Taiwan SME Elite Award for Sustainability Excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

What surgeries can the Kinguide system perform?

The Kinguide Robotic-Assisted Surgical System is cleared for minimally invasive spine surgeries, specifically for bone drilling and screw implantation procedures. Point Robotics has indicated plans to expand indications to include herniated disc decompression and potentially joint and trauma surgeries.

Is Point Robotics publicly traded?

Point Robotics remains a privately held company. It has completed Series A funding and established a Cayman holding company structure in 2022, which may indicate preparation for future public offering.

What makes Point Robotics’ technology different from other surgical robots?

Unlike console-based surgical robots where surgeons operate remotely, Point Robotics developed a handheld robotic system. The surgeon maintains direct contact with the instrument while the parallel manipulator provides robotic precision, tremor compensation, and navigation guidance.