14th Five-Year Plan Drives Smart TCM Devices Why Moxibustion Robots Are Trending

Policy Foundations: Intelligent Transformation Under National Strategy

The 14th Five-Year Plan for Traditional Chinese Medicine Development serves as a top-level blueprint, explicitly directing the industry to "promote the integrated development of TCM and modern technologies. Notably, its TCM Informatization Development initiative emphasizes support for R&D of intelligent diagnostic and therapeutic equipment tailored to TCM characteristics. At the regional level, pioneering regions like Shanghai have incorporated specific clauses—such as "promoting digital TCM devices like intelligent moxibustion"—into local regulations like the Shanghai TCM Ordinance.

Policy incentives have directly fueled market growth. According to Qichacha data, 214 TCM smart device enterprises were established in 2023, with 37 obtaining medical device registration certificates. A report from a leading venture capital firm reveals that the adoption rate of intelligent moxibustion devices in primary healthcare institutions surged from 3.2% in 2021 to 11.7% in 2023.

Technology Empowerment: Breakthrough Innovations in Intelligent Moxibustion

Guided by national policies, Zhimei Kangmin, a pioneer in moxibustion robotics, has achieved three major technological leaps with its "Tai Ke Ai" Intelligent Moxibustion Device:

1. Precision Breakthrough: AI-Driven Acupoint Positioning

 ● The device integrates a database of 300+ human acupoints with AI visual recognition and infrared sensing, enabling rapid, millimeter-level accuracy (±0.3mm) in acupoint localization. Unlike traditional methods reliant on practitioner experience, it automatically adjusts to diverse body shapes and postures, ensuring consistent precision.

2. Safety Enhancement: Fully Automated Temperature Control

 ● The system eliminates manual ignition and ash removal through auto-ignition and real-time temperature regulation, reducing operational risks by over 90%. Continuous temperature monitoring ensures therapeutic heat (40–60°C) remains within safe thresholds, significantly enhancing both safety and user experience.

3. Standardized Delivery: Biomimetic Robotic Arm Replicating Traditional Techniques

 ● A robotic arm replicates six classical moxibustion techniques sparrow-pecking, rotary, suspended, unidirectional reciprocating, bidirectional reciprocating, and meridian-following—preserving the essence of manual methods while ensuring repeatable efficacy. This standardization addresses inconsistencies caused by practitioner fatigue, enabling scalable adoption.

Future Outlook: Building a Smart TCM Service Ecosystem

Aligned with the 14th Five-Year Plan, intelligent moxibustion devices will evolve across three dimensions:

 ● Service Expansion: Extending from medical institutions to communities and households, forming a three-tier service network.

 ● Product Innovation: Transitioning toward lightweight, portable designs, with annual shipments projected to exceed 1 million units.

 ● Data-Driven Optimization: Leveraging AI algorithms to refine therapeutic protocols through accumulated user data.

Challenges remain, including incomplete standardization and a shortage of skilled professionals. Experts from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences recommend accelerating the formulation of technical specifications and operational guidelines for intelligent moxibustion devices, alongside fostering interdisciplinary talent in TCM-Western medicine integration.

Conclusion

From policy alignment to market validation, the trajectory of intelligent moxibustion devices demonstrates a viable path for TCM modernization. As technological advancements and policy support deepen, these innovations—bridging ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology—are charting a new chapter for "smart TCM." For industry stakeholders, this pivotal moment offers a strategic window to capitalize on policy tailwinds and secure future market leadership.