US firm's robotic surgical system approved for use in Europe across multiple procedures

Europe has given the green light to a new generation of robotic surgery. Intuitive, a global leader in medical technology, has received CE Mark approval for its most advanced surgical system yet—the da Vinci 5. This fifth-generation robotic system can now be used across Europe for a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, including surgeries in the chest, abdomen, urology, gynecology, and general surgery. It is approved for both adults and children, marking a significant step forward in patient care.

The da Vinci 5 is the latest addition to Intuitive’s trusted family of surgical robots. It builds on the foundation of the da Vinci Xi system, which is already widely used around the world. But this new version is far more advanced. It features over 150 enhancements, each designed to improve how surgeries are performed, how doctors operate, and how patients recover. With this approval, hospitals and surgical teams across Europe will have access to the most refined, intelligent, and user-friendly robotic system ever created by Intuitive.

One of the biggest breakthroughs in the da Vinci 5 is the introduction of Force Feedback technology. This allows surgeons to actually feel the pressure and tension during surgery—something that previous robotic systems could not offer. It gives a more natural and responsive experience, which can help reduce errors and improve outcomes. Alongside this, the system includes the most realistic 3D vision ever provided in a da Vinci platform. Surgeons can see the surgical field in clear, lifelike detail, helping them work with greater precision and confidence.

The system is also designed to support surgeons physically. Long surgeries can be tiring and lead to muscle fatigue over time. To address this, the da Vinci 5 features a redesigned console that is more ergonomic and comfortable. This helps surgeons stay focused and perform better during operations while also supporting career longevity in a demanding field.

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But it’s not just about what surgeons can see or feel. The da Vinci 5 is also a smart machine. It’s built with 10,000 times more computing power than earlier models. That massive upgrade allows the system to collect and process large amounts of data during surgery in real time. With new sensors, improved software, and faster processors, it can provide actionable insights to help doctors track their performance, measure results, and improve technique over time. This opens up a new era of data-driven surgery.

Another key strength of the da Vinci 5 is its focus on efficiency. It gives surgeons more control right at their fingertips, reducing the need for constant assistance during procedures. It also introduces a universal interface that makes it easy for care teams to learn the system quickly. Even more, the robot includes built-in automation tools that can handle certain repetitive tasks. This helps surgeries flow more smoothly and could reduce overall operation time.

According to Intuitive, these features are not just about better technology—they’re about solving real problems. Hospitals today face growing pressure to treat more patients, manage limited staff, and keep costs under control. By improving surgical accuracy, streamlining the operating process, and supporting long-term performance, the da Vinci 5 aims to help healthcare systems meet those challenges head-on.

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In 2024 alone, da Vinci systems were used in over 410,000 surgeries in Europe. Worldwide, they’ve powered nearly 17 million procedures to date. With the arrival of da Vinci 5, those numbers are likely to rise as more hospitals adopt the latest in robotic care.

This is not the system’s first major regulatory milestone. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already cleared the da Vinci 5 for adult surgeries across several fields, including urology, gynecology, general, and thoracic procedures. Now, with CE Mark approval, the system is officially ready for Europe’s operating rooms.

The da Vinci 5 joins a growing portfolio of Intuitive’s surgical systems. Alongside this new platform are the da Vinci X, da Vinci Xi, and da Vinci SP systems. While the X and Xi are multiport platforms, the SP system is designed for single-port procedures. With this range, surgeons and hospitals have more choice than ever before in selecting tools that match their specific needs and preferences.

As Dave Rosa, CEO of Intuitive, explained, this new system is the result of over a decade of careful research and development. “Da Vinci 5 is the most advanced and integrated platform we’ve ever created,” he said. “It’s designed to enable better outcomes, greater efficiency, and deeper insights for the future of minimally invasive care.”

Echoing that sentiment, Dirk Barten, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Europe, added that the da Vinci 5 isn’t just a product—it's a solution. “We believe the operational efficiencies and actionable insights provided by da Vinci 5 will not only help transform surgery but also help address critical challenges faced by healthcare systems across Europe.”

This year, 2025, marks Intuitive’s 30th anniversary in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. Over the past three decades, the company has trained nearly 90,000 surgeons worldwide. The da Vinci 5 is a symbol of how far the field has come, and where it’s headed next.

With Europe now part of the da Vinci 5 journey, the future of surgery looks smarter, safer, and more connected—bringing benefits not only to surgeons and hospitals but, most importantly, to patients.