Precision Robotics

Spun out from Imperial College London’s Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Precision Robotics focuses on developing next-generation articulated camera systems for minimally invasive surgery. The company operates dual headquarters in London and Hong Kong Science Park, with the Hong Kong subsidiary handling product commercialization and clinical trials for the Asia-Pacific region.

Company Overview

Professor Guang-Zhong Yang, founding director of the Hamlyn Centre, established Precision Robotics in 2017 to translate decades of surgical robotics research into commercial products. The Hong Kong operation launched in March 2018 within HKSTP, positioning the company to build on proximity to Shenzhen’s manufacturing ecosystem and access clinical trial pathways recognized by multiple regulatory authorities.

Dr. Benny Lo, who brings nearly two decades of research experience from Imperial College, serves as CEO. The company has secured backing from multiple investors including Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, CAS-Tech Fund, Ease Health Investment, F-Prime Capital, and Jiachi Investment.

Core Products

SIRIUS Robotic Flexible Endoscopic System

The flagship SIRIUS system represents a fully integrated 3D laparoscopic camera with an articulated tip capable of changing viewing direction during surgery. Key specifications include:

• Articulation: Three degrees of freedom enabling C-shaped and S-shaped bending
• Insertion tube: 10mm diameter, 340mm working length
• Imaging: Stereo camera with 1080p HD resolution
• Field of view: 120 degrees
• Depth of view: 10-100mm

The system received FDA 510(k) clearance in December 2022 (K221642), establishing substantial equivalence to the Olympus LTF-190-10-3D Endoeye Flex 3D Deflectable Videoscope.

Technology & Innovation

SIRIUS addresses a fundamental limitation in conventional laparoscopy: the fixed viewing angle that forces surgeons to reposition instruments or the entire scope to visualize different anatomical areas. The articulated tip allows real-time adjustment of viewing direction without removing and reinserting the scope.

The system’s compact form factor integrates the video processor within the unit, reducing operating room footprint compared to cart-based alternatives. Development involved 13-24 months of engineering work with support from NVIDIA DGX A100 infrastructure for next-generation AI integration.

Clinical Validation

Precision Robotics has conducted IDEAL framework clinical trials at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, completing Stage 1 and 2a studies in gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Published results in peer-reviewed literature document safety and efficacy in procedures including single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES).

In February 2023, the company signed a three-year MOU with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong to expand clinical validation activities, witnessed by Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.

Market Presence

The company targets gynecological laparoscopic surgery as its initial clinical application, with ongoing NCT-registered trials (NCT05048407) recruiting patients for multi-center validation. Distribution strategy focuses on Asia-Pacific markets where Hong Kong clinical data carries regulatory recognition.

Awards and recognition include:

• Geneva Exhibition of Inventions Gold Medal with Jury Congratulations
• iF Design Award for the SIRIUS system design

Key Milestones

• 2017: Precision Robotics founded by Professor Guang-Zhong Yang
• 2018: Hong Kong subsidiary established at HKSTP
• 2021: First-in-human clinical trials initiated at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong
• 2022: iF Design Award received; SIRIUS launched commercially
• 2022: FDA 510(k) clearance obtained (December)
• 2023: Strategic MOU signed with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes SIRIUS different from conventional laparoscopes?

SIRIUS features a three-degree-of-freedom articulated tip that can bend in C and S shapes, allowing surgeons to change viewing angles without repositioning the entire scope. This capability proves particularly valuable in single-port surgery where instrument access is limited.

Has the SIRIUS system received regulatory approval?

Yes, SIRIUS received FDA 510(k) clearance in December 2022. The company is pursuing additional regulatory pathways in Asia-Pacific markets.

Who founded Precision Robotics?

Professor Guang-Zhong Yang, founding director of Imperial College London’s Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, established the company in 2017. The Hamlyn Centre is recognized globally as a leading surgical robotics research institution.