Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hikaru Watanabe is an emerging surgical innovator specializing in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, with a particular focus on advancing robotic-assisted techniques for lung and mediastinal procedures. Working at the forefront of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), Watanabe has made significant contributions to the development and refinement of reduced-port surgical approaches that push the boundaries of minimally invasive care. His most recognized work, conducted across three Japanese institutions, introduced dual-portal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (DRATS) as a practical middle ground between conventional multiportal RATS and the more demanding uniportal approach, garnering 9 citations since its 2023 publication. Building on this foundation, Watanabe developed neoDRATS — a novel technique eliminating the need for skilled surgical assistants by deploying all four robotic arms independently during anatomical lung surgery — reflecting his commitment to both technical innovation and surgical accessibility. He has also contributed specialized techniques for uniportal RATS in mediastinal tumor resection. Though early in his citation trajectory, Watanabe's work is gaining traction within the international thoracic surgery community, positioning him as a promising contributor to the ongoing evolution of robotic surgical platforms in Japan and beyond.