Members of regional healthcare group HMI Medical, Mahkota Medical Centre (MMC) in Melaka and Regency Specialist Hospital (RSH) in Johor, became the first two hospitals to deliver robotic-assisted surgical (RAS) procedures using the newest availability of a Japanese robotic-assisted system, ‘hinotori’.
Utilising Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s robot technology and Sysmex Corporation’s network and knowledge in the healthcare field, hinotori was developed as a robot-assisted surgery system to reproduce a surgeon’s sensitive movement, which is essential for surgeries.
With the availability of breakthrough technological innovations in medical technology, MMC and RSH surgeons are now able to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, reduced risks, and faster recovery times.
Using robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera controlled from a console, this minimally invasive approach will offer greater dexterity and less invasiveness for patients with conditions related to urology, gynaecology, colorectal and general surgery.
To mark this milestone, HMI Medical hosted a two-day launch across both the hospitals, with the first day held at RSH in Johor.
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon officiated the launch, citing that the Johor state government always welcomes the introduction of new technology in the field of healthcare so that Johor continues to emerge as a major leader in this sector, thus making health among the main contributors to the state’s economic development.
He also confirms that, since its introduction in March this year, 69 surgeries have been successfully performed with positive results.
In addition to showcasing real-world case studies across specialities, particularly various types of upper and lower abdominal surgery covering women’s and men’s health, RAS brings together government leaders, international innovators, and healthcare experts to discuss how technology can shape Malaysia’s healthcare future.
“As patient needs continue to evolve, we remain committed to advancing care through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that deliver improved clinical outcomes,” said Stanley Lam, CEO of HMI Malaysia.
“This milestone aligns with our strategic vision of becoming a leading smart hospital and reflects our ongoing dedication to patient-centric, value-based care. With the introduction of hinotori, we are proud to bring best-in-class robotic surgical technology from Japan to Malaysia, ensuring our patients have access to the latest innovations across both our hospitals.”
Already in use across 87 hospitals in Japan and in Singapore General Hospital since 2024, hinotori has been approved by Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA).
Compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, it delivers higher accuracy, fewer complications, and quicker recovery. Patients will also typically experience less post-operative pain, faster mobilisation, and reduced hospital costs over time.
The arrival of the hinotori marks a major step forward in making world-class robotic-assisted surgery more accessible and affordable to patients in Malaysia.
In addition to open and laparoscopic surgical techniques, surgeons at HMI Medical’s hospitals in Malaysia, MMC and RSH, are now able to offer the most cutting-edge surgical techniques to their patients and discuss clinical decision-making factors with them to assess their eligibility for RAS.
Across the region, over 11,000 procedures have been performed to date with hinotori. A number of high-demand procedures in a variety of specialities, including general surgery, gynaecology, and urology, have been performed at MMC and RSH.
Early results also demonstrate increased patient satisfaction, reduced hospital stays, and improved surgical precision, highlighting the practical benefits of robotic-assisted surgery in enhancing healthcare delivery.
The increasing demand for RAS procedures among Malaysians is highlighted by MMC and RSH’s long-term goals to increase the use of RAS in additional procedures for women’s, kidney, and prostate health issues.
Genichi Murakami, vice president of Medicaroid Corporation, a joint venture between Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Sysmex Corporation, stated, “hinotori is a testament to Japan’s medical innovation, and we are proud to see it expand from Japan to Singapore and now to Malaysia.” “We’re excited to work with top hospitals in the area to exchange knowledge and improve surgical practices outside of Japan.”
