Shanghai Intbot

Shanghai Intbot Robotics operates as a joint venture between MicroPort MedBot and Singapore-based Biobot Surgical, focused on bringing robotic prostate biopsy technology to the Greater China market. The company holds exclusive rights to commercialize the iSR’obot Mona Lisa system in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Company Overview

Established as a strategic partnership between MicroPort MedBot (as the controlling shareholder) and Biobot Surgical Pte. Ltd., Shanghai Intbot was created to address the growing demand for precision urology solutions in China. The company combines MicroPort’s extensive healthcare network and regulatory expertise with Biobot Surgical’s specialized robotic technology for prostate disease management.

Under the leadership of General Manager He Hongjun, Shanghai Intbot operates an integrated platform spanning production, research, and development. The company aims to develop proprietary products while commercializing the Mona Lisa platform throughout Greater China.

Core Products

iSR’obot Mona Lisa Prostate Puncture Robot Positioning System

The flagship product enables robot-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy guided by transrectal ultrasound. In May 2023, it became China’s first prostate biopsy robot to receive NMPA approval for the urology sector, marking a significant milestone in precision prostate cancer diagnosis.

Key capabilities include MRI-ultrasound fusion imaging, intelligent surgical planning, automated needle positioning with motion compensation, and full postoperative reporting. The system supports both diagnostic biopsy and therapeutic ablation applications when combined with compatible energy platforms.

Technology & Innovation

The Mona Lisa platform incorporates several proprietary technologies that differentiate it from conventional manual biopsy approaches:

MRI-ultrasound elastic fusion algorithms provide real-time guidance, enabling precise targeting regardless of whether lesions are located in the apex, base, or peripheral zones of the prostate. The transperineal two-point approach minimizes pubic arch interference while ensuring complete prostate coverage.

Dual-cone needle trajectory technology allows extraction of multiple biopsy cores through the same entry points, reducing patient trauma. Motion compensation and needle offset compensation capabilities filter out disturbance factors during procedures, maintaining positioning accuracy throughout the operation.

The system’s intelligent software enables preoperative planning with interactive adjustment, and generates full 3D imaging reports containing clinical data after each procedure.

Market Presence

Shanghai Intbot has established clinical partnerships with major academic medical centers across China. The registered clinical trial was led by Nanjing Gulou Hospital (affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School) with participation from The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University and Subei People’s Hospital.

The company has expanded beyond mainland China, completing its first product sale to Taiwan, demonstrating acceptance of the platform across Greater China markets.

Key Milestones

• 2021-11: Completed first clinical trial enrollment at Nanjing Gulou Hospital (China’s first robot-assisted prostate biopsy)
• 2022-04: Completed all registered clinical trial enrollment (first prostate biopsy robot in China to complete multi-center trials)
• 2023-01: World’s first robotic-positioned cryoablation procedure for prostate cancer (combining Mona Lisa with AccuTarget’s cryoablation platform)
• 2023-05: Received NMPA approval (China’s first approved prostate biopsy robot in urology)
• 2024: First product export to Taiwan market

Future Development

The company’s roadmap includes developing second-generation products that extend beyond diagnostic biopsy to support localized prostate cancer ablation therapy. This diagnostic-therapeutic integration represents the next phase of precision prostate care in China.

Shanghai Intbot continues working with MicroPort MedBot’s broader platform to advance minimally invasive urology solutions, contributing to the parent company’s broad surgical robotics portfolio covering laparoscopy, orthopedics, vascular intervention, natural orifice, and percutaneous puncture applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shanghai Intbot’s relationship with MicroPort MedBot?

Shanghai Intbot is a joint venture company with MicroPort MedBot as the controlling shareholder. It was established in partnership with Singapore’s Biobot Surgical to commercialize the Mona Lisa prostate biopsy robot in Greater China.

Is the Mona Lisa system approved in China?

Yes. The iSR’obot Mona Lisa received NMPA approval in May 2023, becoming China’s first approved prostate puncture robot in the urology sector.

What procedures can the Mona Lisa robot perform?

The system is designed for robot-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy and can be combined with ablation platforms for focal treatment of prostate cancer. It uses MRI-ultrasound fusion technology for precise targeting of suspicious lesions.