The robotic surgery system was first applied to thyroid surgery in 2007, which integrates the advantages of endoscopic and traditional open surgery, and further promotes the development of minimally invasive thyroid surgery. In 2014, our institution pioneered robotic thyroid surgery in China, successfully performing surgeries for over 3 200 patients. As of July this year, a total of 11 931 robotic thyroid surgeries have been completed nationwide. Its cosmetic results are significantly superior to traditional open surgery, and the safety data for commonly used approaches and oncological safety data have been continually updated with the improvement in both quantity and quality of operations. This has provided valuable experiential guidance for the implementation of robotic thyroid surgery in China. The development and clinical application of new technologies have also similarly promoted the research and practice of domestic robots. In the future, more locally produced robots will be put into clinical use, leading to a further reduction in surgical costs and facilitating their widespread adoption in clinical practice, similar to the popularity of endoscopic techniques. Here, the authors provide a overview of the relevant information in respect of its development and current status in China, so as to aid a better understanding for fellow professionals.