Shelbyville first graders name MHP’s new da Vinci 5 surgical robot

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM

Major Health Partners (MHP) is proud to introduce “Fixie,” the official name of our new da Vinci 5 Surgical System, thanks to the creativity of local elementary students.

As part of MHP’s Robot Superpower: Name the Robot competition, classrooms across Shelby County submitted inventive and thoughtful name ideas for our new robot.

After careful review by MHP general surgeons — and a tie-breaking vote from the OB/GYN Department — Ms. Volk’s first-grade class at St. Joseph Elementary School in Shelbyville emerged as the winning entry.

To celebrate, MHP General Surgeon Dr. Shotaro Sano (photo, below) visited the winning classroom Thursday to talk with students about the da Vinci 5, share insights into the life of a surgeon, and honor their contribution. The celebration included a pizza party and a $250 award for classroom supplies.

One student, Madison, explained the inspiration behind the winning name: “The reason why I picked the name Fixie is that it fixes people, and the way it fixes people makes me really happy!”

The da Vinci 5 Surgical System represents the latest innovation in robotic-assisted surgery, offering unparalleled precision, control, and safety. New features include Force Feedback technology that enables surgeons to feel pressure during procedures, enhancing accuracy and care.

With improved 3D visualization, a more powerful computing system, and an ergonomic console, the da Vinci 5 supports improved surgical outcomes and faster recovery. It is used across a variety of specialties, including urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

MHP extends its sincere thanks to all participating classrooms for their imaginative submissions and enthusiasm.

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