Korea classifies EndoRobotics' endoscopic surgery robot as a National Core Technology ahead of its Olympus-backed US launch

EndoRobotics said in a press release on Oct 6 that Korea's trade ministry (MOTIR) determined on Oct 1 that the core technology of its ROBOPERA flexible endoscopic surgical robot falls under the National Core Technology framework, in the category covering design, manufacturing and control of laparoscopic, endoscopic and image-guided surgical robots.

National Core Technology is designated and managed by the government under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology, the release noted. ROBOPERA attaches robotic instruments to a standard endoscope so gastrointestinal lesions can be removed through the mouth or anus without an incision; it received FDA 510(k) clearance in 2025, and the company said it signed an exclusive global distribution deal with Olympus in May 2026 and is in final preparations for a U.S. launch in the second half of 2026.

EndoRobotics is the first Korean endoscopic surgery robot maker in MEKAWIRE's database, where Intuitive Surgical anchors the surgical-robot category.