Why Is ISRG Investing More Aggressively in R&D Despite Macro Headwinds?

Intuitive Surgical is prioritizing R&D investment over near-term profitability to drive long-term growth, focusing on AI/ML, robotics, and expanding into new clinical areas like GI, cardiac, and lung procedures. The company is sacrificing near-term expense leverage to build competitive moats and broaden its addressable market. Peer companies Edwards Lifesciences and Glaukos are similarly investing heavily in R&D to strengthen their competitive positions.