As the direction of the world's scientific and technological development, the research and industrialization of Medical Robotics in China is still in its initial stage compared with Europe and the United States.

Robot is an important symbol to measure the level of modern science and technology and high-end manufacturing. It is also a strategic field to seize the opportunity for the development of intelligent society. As a positive response to the major medical needs of the country and the people, the Institute of Medical Robotics, Shanghai JiaoTong University was officially inaugurated in Wenxuan Medical Building on Minhang Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University on December 21, 2017.

The Institute of Medical Robotics in Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a multidisciplinary platform established by SJTU in 2017 to advance the field of medical robotics and related technologies with emphasis on benefitting patients and creating socio-economic values. This top-level institute operates directly under SJTU and works closely with other academic schools/departments. The main research directions include the fundamental research in micro/nano systems, perception and cognition, bioinspired systems, and smart materials, as well as the applied research in surgical robotics, rehabilitation and assistive robotics, image-guided intervention, AI and human-robot interaction, biophotonics, and precision mechatronics. By leveraging the unique strength of SJTU's medical school and affiliated hospitals, the institute has also established joint clinical research centers for targeted diseases.