Intuitive Surgical
da Vinci Standard
Chronology
Updated Jan 2026
(Posted Jan 2026)
Dec 1999. da Vinci Standard commercially launched
1995. Intuitive founded with SRI technology transfer of the licenced telemanipulation system
The da Vinci robotic surgery system, through successive generations, has dominated the market of soft-tissue surgical robotics for more than 25 years. Extensive clinical experience has been accumulated. Technology and indications continue to evolve and expand.
But everything started with the da Vinci Standard.
The da Vinci Standard Surgical System: The First Generation of Robotic-Assisted Surgery
The da Vinci Standard Surgical System represented the beginning of a revolutionary era in minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgery. Developed by Intuitive Surgical, this system combined advanced robotic technology with surgical precision to improve patient outcomes and surgeon control.
What was the da Vinci Standard?
The da Vinci Standard was the first generation of the da Vinci robotic surgical platforms. It integrates a surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four robotic arms, and a high-performance 3D vision system. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into precise actions inside the patient’s body, providing enhanced dexterity, tremor reduction, and improved ergonomics compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques.
Key features of the Standard system included:
- 3D high-resolution vision system for detailed surgical views.
- Four interactive robotic arms controlled from a seated console.
- EndoWrist® instruments that offered up to seven degrees of freedom, closely mimicking natural hand movements.
Timeline & Key Milestones
1995: Intuitive Surgical was founded, aiming to transform surgery through robotic-assisted technology.
1999: The da Vinci Standard Surgical System was commercially launched, marking the first robotic platform of its kind available for minimally invasive surgery worldwide.
2000: The system received FDA clearance, establishing da Vinci as a certified surgical tool in the United States.
2005: The da Vinci Standard began arriving at hospitals in various countries, increasing access to robotic surgery (including Spain several years after its initial launch).
This first generation laid the foundation for the future of robotic surgery by integrating robotic precision with a minimally invasive surgical approach, helping surgeons perform complex procedures with more control and less trauma to patients than traditional open surgery.
Evolution: From Standard to da Vinci S
After the success of the Standard model, Intuitive continued to improve robotic surgical platforms to enhance performance, imaging, ergonomics, and workflow efficiency. The next major step in this evolution was the da Vinci S Surgical System, which was introduced in 2006. This second-generation system offered faster setup, improved instrument exchange, multi-image displays, and streamlined usability, while retaining the core robotic technology pioneered by the Standard model.
Links
– Intuitive Surgery
– Intuitive learning (restricted access)
– Abex (da Vinci in Spain)
J Granell
Robotic Surgeon
I started to perform robotic surgery in year 2013 with the da Vinci S (2nd generation). I directed my first hands-on training course in 2015 with a da Vinci Standard (1st generation). I act as clinical proctor since 2017. Since 2017 I perform robotic surgery with the da Vinci Xi. I have already started da Vinci SP training, and have also tested da Vinci 5. So, I do have experience in experimental and clinical environment with every and each one of the models of the da Vinci.
Before starting my practice in robotic surgery I did have a solid foundation as an oncologic surgeon, both in resective and reconstructive procedures, and also in minimally invasive surgical approaches and endoscopic surgery, with are clues for success in this area of expertise.