Koh Young Technology Inc. is poised to deploy its neurosurgical robot at a US hospital this summer, marking the first overseas installation of a system that has struggled to gain traction beyond South Korea since its development nearly a decade ago.
The Kosdaq-listed company received US Food and Drug Administration clearance in January for its Geniant Cranial robot, a stereotactic guidance system designed for brain procedures including tumor biopsies and treatments for Parkinson’s disease. The milestone comes as Koh Young seeks to diversify beyond its core business of making 3D optical inspection equipment for electronics manufacturing.
The robot, known domestically as Kymero, has performed over 500 surgeries at Korean hospitals since 2020, according to the company. Koh Young shares rose 3.8% to 16,050 won ($11.79) on Thursday following the announcement.
The company faces formidable competition in the US market, where major players including Intuitive Surgical, Stryker Corporation, Medtronic and ACCURAY control 85% of the surgical robotics market. The global surgical robotics market, valued at $4.31 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a 9.42% compound annual growth rate through 2030.
Koh Young’s expansion strategy includes regulatory filings in Japan, where it expects approval by year-end, and plans to apply for Chinese authorization in the fourth quarter. The company estimates potential markets of 1,437 major neurosurgery hospitals in the US, 1,750 in Japan and 2,216 in China.
The timing appears opportune, as only 30 of the top 100 US neurosurgery programs currently offer robotic cranial surgery, suggesting significant room for market penetration despite the competitive landscape.
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