Evolution and Application of Robotic Spine Surgery in China

China has witnessed rapid advancements in robotic spine surgery (RSS), achieving significant progress both in clinical application and robotic system development. The application of RSS mainly focuses on pedicle screw placement and percutaneous puncture-related procedures. These applications demonstrate substantial advantages, including enhanced accuracy, reduced radiation exposure, and improved clinical outcomes. Robotic systems also possess robust image recognition and analysis capabilities as well as artificial intelligence-based cognitive functions that facilitate preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making. The integration of advanced networking technologies with these systems facilitates real-time remote operation with immediate surgical feedback. Chinese development and manufacture of spinal surgical robots have reached a world-class level, and continuous technological innovation is ongoing. Notable progress has been made in the research and development of active robotic systems, laminectomy robots, and soft-tissue manipulation robots, highlighting China’s unique contributions to the global field. This review details the evolution of robotic spine surgery in China, outlines the existing technological landscape, and discusses current research and development efforts alongside future application prospects.