I’m not entirely sure what opinion you ended up with on this, but at least ISRG sees some sense in it.
Largest customer Intuitive Surgical will roll out its cutting-edge da Vinci 5 surgical robot in 2025e and include simulation in all systems, increasing attach rate from c30-35% previously to 100%. Simulation for da Vinci 5 systems will be a purely subscription-based model,
Through its acquisitions, the company is capable of offering services to various segments:
We judge that Surgical Science currently holds a quasi-monopoly or oligopoly position in several niches of the medical simulation industry. Additional acquisitions may extend this position to further niches. Such a dominant position is an excellent position from which to extract high profit margins, but it could also breed complacency among incumbents. Potential complacency could lead to new challengers entering the space with innovative products, winning over key customers despite Surgical Science’s sticky customer relationships and high switching costs.
