by Jay Chiang
In operating rooms across Taiwan, a quiet revolution is underway—one that could transform how brain surgeries are performed, how patients recover, and how the nation prepares for a rapidly ageing population.
Taiwan’s neurosurgery robotic surgical systems market is on the cusp of major growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 9% through 2036, according to a new report by GlobalData. The driving force? A surge in demand for minimally invasive procedures, alongside the rising burden of chronic neurological conditions and the health needs of an ageing society.
For patients like Ms. Lin Hsiu-Mei, a 67-year-old retiree from Kaohsiung who recently underwent a minimally invasive procedure for a brain aneurysm, the difference is life-changing. “I was terrified of open surgery. But my doctors explained how the robotic system could make everything more precise. I was home in a few days and back to walking in a week,” she said.
Robotic-assisted neurosurgery allows for incredible precision, often involving smaller incisions, less pain, quicker recovery times, and reduced risks of complications. Surgeons can now navigate the intricate structures of the brain with advanced 3D imaging and AI-supported robotic arms—tools that offer more control and accuracy than ever before.
Yet the promise of this technology faces obstacles.
Despite its potential, Taiwan still accounts for only 2% of the Asia-Pacific market for neurosurgical robotic systems as of 2024—lagging behind countries like Japan, South Korea, and China. According to Shagufta Hasan, a Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, gaps in hospital infrastructure and a lack of specialised training for robotic-assisted surgery are key barriers holding the sector back.
“Robotic systems are expensive, and many regional hospitals aren’t yet equipped to adopt them,” said Hasan. “There’s also a need for more neurosurgeons to receive hands-on training to confidently use these technologies.”
But there’s growing hope in the form of local partnerships. Taiwanese companies, medical universities, and research hospitals are starting to collaborate to develop homegrown solutions, customise training programmes, and secure government support.
Dr. Chang Wei-Lun, a neurosurgeon in Taipei, believes the next decade will be transformative. “We’re seeing young surgeons embrace robotics. If we continue to invest in infrastructure and training, Taiwan could emerge as a regional leader in robotic neurosurgery,” he said.
As the population ages and healthcare evolves, Taiwan’s journey into robotic-assisted neurosurgery is no longer a matter of if—but how fast, and how far, it can go.
