US vendors have a greater presence in robot-assisted surgery. Of all the 967 patents related to this application, US vendors controlled 920 pieces (95.1%) while European vendors only had 47 pieces (4.9%). Important technology fields include Surgical Instrument, Robotic Arm, Minimally Invasive, Surgical Tool, Image Data, Image Capture Device, Optical Fiber, and Light Source.

By contrast, European vendors have greater strength than US vendors in therapy robots. Of the 40 patents related to the field, European vendors owned 35 pieces (87.5%) while US vendors had five pieces (12.5%). Key technology fields include: X-ray, Radiation Therapy, and Electron Beam.

By pouring more resources into robot-assisted surgery, US vendors have demonstrated ambition to seize more control over the key technologies and be the front-runner in the market. By contrast, European vendors focus more on developing therapy robots. Perspective vendors are suggested to keep an eye on the latest development of the US and European incumbents.