Robotic-assisted surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery at Epworth: precise, minimally invasive care across multiple specialties.
Robotic-assisted surgery leadership at Epworth
Epworth is a recognised Australian leader in robotic-assisted surgery, with more than two decades of experience delivering innovation and improved patient outcomes.
In 2026, Epworth became the first health service in Australia to install the da Vinci® 5 robotic-assisted surgical system at Epworth Freemasons (pictured above). This next-generation technology provides advanced computing power, high-resolution 3D imaging and an improved ergonomic console, supporting complex minimally invasive procedures across a wide range of specialties.
Epworth pioneered robotic-assisted surgery in Australia in 2003, introducing the first surgical robot to the Asia Pacific region at Epworth Richmond and performing the nation’s first robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Since then, Epworth has achieved multiple Australian firsts across urology, gynaecology, cardiothoracic, colorectal, thoracic and ENT surgery.
Epworth operates over 20 robotic systems across its hospitals, supporting minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions and precise instrument control. This includes five new surgical robots received in FY25 and six new robots in FY26, further expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery across Victoria.
Robotic-assisted surgery at Epworth is offered alongside traditional surgical methods to enhance precision, support clinician training and improve patient outcomes across specialties including urology, orthopaedics, cardiothoracic and general surgery.
Advancing robotic-assisted orthopaedic care
In orthopaedics, Epworth was one of the first hospitals in Australia to introduce the MAKO system for robotic-assisted surgery in 2018. Building on this early adoption, Epworth pioneered the use of MAKO technology to perform revision hip and knee replacements through world-first research.
In early 2025, Epworth reached a significant milestone, completing more than 6,500 robotic orthopaedic procedures using MAKO technology, including over 5,700 hip and knee replacements.
These investments and achievements would not be possible without the generous support of our Epworth donor community and Epworth Medical Foundation, whose contributions continue to advance access to leading robotic-assisted care.
Expanding capability across Victoria
The delivery of new robotic systems in FY25-26 has expanded Epworth’s capabilities across Melbourne and Geelong:
- Epworth Richmond became the first hospital in Victoria to operate three da Vinci® robots following the installation of a new Xi system. The hospital was also the first in Australia to install the da Vinci® Single-Port (SP) robotic surgical system and welcomed its fourth MAKO robot.
- Epworth Geelong introduced the first VELYS robot at Epworth to support precision knee replacements.
- Epworth Eastern added a second MAKO robot and welcomed Victoria’s first Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform, performing the first robotic thoracic surgery for complex chest procedures.
- Epworth Freemasons received a da Vinci® Xi system to support advanced cancer surgery and increase capacity for minimally invasive treatment. It is also the first hospital in Australia to install the da Vinci® 5 robotic-assisted surgical system, further expanding capability for complex procedures.
Australian robotic-assisted surgery firsts at Epworth
MAKO 
da Vinci® Single Port 
da Vinci® Xi Our robotics and technology
We have a range of robotics and advanced surgical technology in use across Epworth, including:
| Robotic system | Locations | Surgical specialties | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| da Vinci® 5 | Epworth Freemasons | Urology, General and Colorectal surgery, Gynaecology, Thoracic, Cardiac surgery | Enhanced computing power, high-resolution 3D imaging, improved ergonomics, supports complex minimally invasive procedure |
| da Vinci® Xi | Epworth Richmond, Epworth Freemasons, Epworth Geelong, Epworth Eastern | Urology, General and Colorectal surgery, Trans-Oral surgery, Gynaecology, and Cardiothoracic surgery | High precision, minimally invasive, faster recovery |
| da Vinci® Single Port | Epworth Richmond | Urology, General and Colorectal Surgery, Trans-Oral surgery, Gynaecology, Thoracic surgery | Single-port access, enhanced precision, minimal scarring |
| VELYS robotic-assisted solution | Epworth Geelong | Orthopaedics (Knee Replacement) | CT-free workflow, personalised alignment, seamless integration |
| MAKO SmartRobotics | Epworth Richmond, Epworth Geelong, Epworth Eastern | Orthopaedics (Hip, Knee and Shoulder Replacement) | Personalised planning, precise bone cuts, improved outcomes |
| CORI | Epworth Geelong, Epworth Eastern | Orthopaedics (Knee Surgery) | Portable design, real-time mapping, efficient resections |
| ROSA | Epworth Eastern, Epworth Richmond | Orthopaedics (Knee Surgery) | Predictive planning, accurate alignment, flexible workflow |
| Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy | Epworth Eastern | Lung biopsy | Accurate navigation, early diagnosis, less invasive |