Angtai Ophthalmic Surgical Robot
Angtai Microfine’s ophthalmic surgical robot addresses the extreme precision demands of retinal and vitreoretinal surgery. With macular thickness averaging approximately 250 micrometers and pathological states causing further thinning, ideal surgical instrument precision requires accuracy within 10 micrometers—far exceeding the approximately 100 micrometers of inherent human hand tremor.
Product Overview
The ophthalmic surgical robot system integrates Angtai Microfine’s core tremor-elimination technology specifically optimized for the unique challenges of eye surgery. During vitreoretinal procedures, surgeons must manipulate instruments through a fixed scleral entry point while maneuvering within extremely confined intraocular spaces. Human physiological tremor represents a fundamental barrier to achieving optimal outcomes in these delicate procedures.
The system filters hand tremor and provides sub-micrometer motion precision, enabling surgeons to perform procedures at the boundary of current technical capability. This includes sub-retinal injection—a critical delivery method for emerging gene and cell therapies targeting retinal diseases.
Key Features
Validated in clinical trials and entering NMPA registration approval in late 2025, Angtai Microfine’s ophthalmic robot delivers sub-micrometer motion precision and complete tremor elimination for retinal and vitreoretinal surgery.
Sub-Micrometer Motion Precision: Single-step motion accuracy at the sub-micrometer level, compared to approximately 100-micrometer human hand tremor
Complete Tremor Elimination: Proprietary drive system filters physiological tremor throughout procedures, enabling stable instrument positioning during extended operations
Precision Injection Capability: Needle gauge breakthrough to sub-48G outer diameter (approaching world’s smallest) for delicate sub-retinal injection procedures
Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Control: 7 degrees of freedom wrist-type instrument design provides flexibility for complex intraocular maneuvers
Compact Integration: System designed for efficient integration into existing ophthalmic operating room setups
Technical Specifications
Validated through 2025 clinical trials, Angtai Microfine’s ophthalmic robot achieves sub-micrometer precision across 7 degrees of freedom with instruments below 3 mm and needle gauge capability under 48G for sub-retinal injection.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motion Precision | Sub-micrometer |
| Degrees of Freedom | 7 |
| Instrument Tip Diameter | <3mm |
| Needle Gauge Capability | <48G |
| Target Vessel/Structure Size | ≥0.3mm |
Clinical Applications
Vitreoretinal Surgery
- Macular surgery requiring precision within diseased retinal tissue
- Epiretinal membrane peeling
- Internal limiting membrane procedures
- Complex retinal detachment repair
Sub-Retinal Injection
- Gene therapy delivery for inherited retinal diseases
- Cell therapy administration
- Drug delivery for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Subretinal hemorrhage management
Retinal Vascular Procedures
- Retinal vein cannulation (vessels typically <200 micrometers diameter)
- Precision drug delivery to retinal vasculature
The system enables procedures where manual surgery faces fundamental precision limitations. For sub-retinal injection, injection depth, pressure control, and delivery rate must be precisely managed to avoid complications—requirements that exceed reliable human hand control.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| China (NMPA) | Clinical Trials/Registration | 2024-2025 |
| Europe (CE) | Not Applied | - |
| USA (FDA) | Planned | - |
The ophthalmic robot completed product type testing in 2024 and entered clinical trials. As of late 2025, the system has completed registration clinical trials and entered the final registration approval phase with NMPA. The company plans to pursue FDA clearance through its planned U.S. subsidiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ophthalmic procedures can this robot perform?
The system targets vitreoretinal surgery including macular procedures, epiretinal membrane peeling, and sub-retinal injection for gene/cell therapy delivery. It addresses procedures where the ideal instrument precision (10 micrometers) exceeds reliable human hand control (approximately 100 micrometers tremor).
How does this compare to other ophthalmic surgical robots?
Globally, Preceyes BV (acquired by Zeiss in 2022) has achieved CE certification for ophthalmic surgical robots. Other developers include companies in the US (Horizon Surgical Systems), Israel (ForSight), and France (AcuSurgical). In China, Angtai Microfine competes with Dishi Medical (whose system entered clinical trials in 2024), Micromo Medical, and Xianwei Medical.
When will this robot be commercially available?
The ophthalmic robot completed clinical trials in late 2025 and is in the registration approval phase with NMPA. Commercial availability in China is anticipated following regulatory approval. International availability depends on future CE and FDA submissions.
Sources
Publicly available references used for the data on this page. See data methodology for verification standards.