Kyushu University Hospital successfully performed the first robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using Japan's domestic surgical support robot "hinotori" on June 13, 2025. Developed by Medicaroid , hinotori combines Kawasaki Heavy Industries' robotic technology with Sysmex Corporation's healthcare network knowledge, representing Japan's first practical surgical support robot approved for manufacture.

The distinctive feature of hinotori is its eight-axis operation arms, enabling precise reproduction of surgeon hand movements. The surgeon console features ergonomic design to reduce surgeon fatigue. The open platform system enables close communication with clinical sites and supports rapid version updates domestically. Current deployment reaches 87 units nationwide and 3 units internationally.

Kyushu University Hospital plans to expand hinotori usage beyond prostate cancer to include kidney cancer surgeries. With three surgical support robots, the hospital aims to provide minimally invasive medical care with reduced patient burden and advance high-level research activities.