Robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery was introduced more than 20 years ago, with the robotic endoscope control system AESOP and the robotic surgery system ZEUS, which had several separate arms for the laparoscope and instruments. These were even set up for remote connection, so that long-distance telesurgery could be performed as early as 2001. Subsequent technical developments include rigid and flexible multi-port and single-port systems, so that today's market offers a variety of choices in various price ranges and is expected to continue its growth. Robotic surgical systems can not only facilitate established operative approaches, but also expand the range of procedures, such as intra- and transluminal interventions. As part of the digital surgery ecosystem, robotic systems support the increasing integration and adoption of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence - based data analysis and support systems.