Olympus Corporation is one of Japan’s best-known medical technology companies and is particularly recognized worldwide for its advanced endoscopy systems, endotherapy devices and surgical equipment.

Although the Olympus name was historically associated with cameras and optical products, the company has transformed its business into a focused global medical technology organization. Its current medical portfolio centers on gastrointestinal endoscopy, therapeutic endoscopy, surgical endoscopy, urology, respiratory medicine and other minimally invasive treatment technologies.

Olympus has played an important role in the development of modern endoscopy. The company developed a practical gastrocamera in 1950 and subsequently worked with physicians to advance endoscopic examination and treatment.

Olympus at a Glance

Category Details Company Olympus Corporation Country Japan Headquarters Tokyo, Japan Industry Medical Technology Main Focus Endoscopy, Endotherapy, Surgical & Interventional Solutions FY2026 Revenue ¥1,010.7 billion Main Medical Divisions Gastrointestinal Solutions; Surgical & Interventional Solutions Major Technologies Endoscopes, Surgical Imaging, Endotherapy, Energy Devices, Therapeutic Systems Global Presence Products and services across numerous international markets

Olympus currently describes itself as a global MedTech company focused on solutions for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

What Does Olympus Manufacture?

Olympus develops a wide range of medical equipment used by hospitals, endoscopy centers, surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

Its portfolio includes:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes
• Colonoscopes
• Gastroscopes
• Bronchoscopes
• Surgical endoscopes
• Endoscopic imaging systems
• Endotherapy devices
• Biopsy devices
• Polypectomy devices
• Hemostasis devices
• Electrosurgical equipment
• Surgical energy devices
• Laparoscopic equipment
• Urological equipment
• Respiratory equipment
• Surgical visualization systems
• Endoscopic ultrasound technologies
• Surgical monitors
• Digital and AI-enabled technologies
• Medical service and repair solutions

Olympus emphasizes two major values in its medical business: early diagnosis, particularly through gastrointestinal endoscopy, and minimally invasive treatment, particularly through surgical products.

1. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Gastrointestinal, or GI, endoscopy is the core of Olympus’s medical technology heritage.

GI endoscopes allow physicians to examine the inside of the digestive tract without conventional open surgery.

Common procedures include:

• Upper GI endoscopy
• Gastroscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Lower GI endoscopy
• Endoscopic biopsy
• Polyp detection and removal
• Endoscopic bleeding treatment
• Cancer screening and diagnosis

During an endoscopic examination, a flexible scope equipped with a camera and light source is introduced into the digestive tract. Images are displayed on a medical monitor so the physician can inspect internal tissue.

Olympus provides endoscopes, imaging systems, accessories and therapeutic devices used throughout this workflow.

2. Gastroscopes

Gastroscopes are flexible endoscopes used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract.

They can help physicians visualize areas including:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Duodenum

A gastroscope can also be used with accessories that allow physicians to perform biopsies and certain therapeutic procedures.

Olympus’s gastrointestinal portfolio includes advanced imaging technologies intended to help physicians identify and characterize abnormalities during endoscopic examinations.

3. Colonoscopes

Colonoscopy is one of the most important applications of gastrointestinal endoscopy.

A colonoscope allows physicians to examine the large intestine and identify abnormalities such as:

• Polyps
• Suspicious lesions
• Inflammation
• Bleeding sources
• Certain cancers

Olympus develops colonoscopy systems and associated endotherapy devices.

The company reports that millions of colonoscopies are performed globally using Olympus products in the markets included in its published data.

4. Endoscopic Imaging Technology

High-quality visualization is essential for endoscopy.

Olympus develops imaging technologies designed to provide physicians with detailed views of internal tissue.

Modern Olympus systems incorporate technologies such as:

• High-definition imaging
• 4K imaging
• Narrow Band Imaging (NBI)
• Advanced image processing
• Specialized observation modes
• Digital visualization
• AI-assisted technologies

The objective is to help healthcare professionals detect, characterize and treat abnormalities more effectively.

5. 4K and Advanced Surgical Visualization

Olympus continues to develop higher-resolution surgical imaging.

In August 2026, the company announced the launch of the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D flexible-tip videoscope compatible with the VISERA ELITE III surgical imaging platform. The videoscope supports 4K, 3D and infrared imaging in a single scope.

This type of technology can be particularly useful in minimally invasive surgery where surgeons depend heavily on the video image displayed on a surgical monitor.

6. 4K Medical Monitors

The imaging chain does not end with the endoscope.

Olympus also develops medical displays designed to show endoscopic images with high clarity.

In June 2026, Olympus introduced new 4K LCD monitors designed for use with its endoscopy systems. The company said the monitors were developed to improve visualization during endoscopic diagnosis and treatment while reducing reflections and glare.

This illustrates Olympus’s approach of developing an integrated ecosystem from:

Endoscope → Imaging processor → Medical monitor → Procedure → Documentation

7. Endotherapy Devices

Endoscopy is not only about looking inside the body.

Modern endoscopy can also be used to perform treatments.

Olympus therefore manufactures a large range of endotherapy devices.

These include products used for:

• Biopsy
• Polyp removal
• Hemostasis
• Tissue resection
• Stricture management
• Foreign-body removal
• Stone treatment
• Endoscopic injection
• Tissue closure

This combination of diagnosis and treatment is one reason endoscopy has become an important part of minimally invasive medicine.

8. Biopsy and Tissue Sampling

During an endoscopy, a physician may identify tissue that requires laboratory examination.

Olympus supplies endoscopic accessories designed to help physicians obtain tissue samples.

Biopsy devices can be passed through the working channel of an endoscope and used to collect small tissue specimens.

The samples can then be sent to a pathology laboratory for further examination.

9. Polyp Removal and Endoscopic Resection

Some gastrointestinal polyps can be removed during an endoscopic procedure.

Olympus provides endotherapy devices used for procedures involving:

• Polypectomy
• Mucosal resection
• Endoscopic tissue removal
• Lesion management

These technologies can allow selected lesions to be treated without conventional open surgery.

10. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Olympus is also expanding technologies for advanced endoscopic procedures such as Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD).

ESD can allow physicians to remove selected early-stage gastrointestinal tumors or precancerous lesions while preserving the affected organ.

In May 2026, Olympus announced a global distribution agreement with EndoRobotics for robot-assisted technologies intended to support advanced endotherapeutic procedures such as ESD.

This reflects the company’s growing interest in advanced and robot-assisted endoscopic treatment.

11. Hemostasis Technologies

Bleeding is an important issue during some gastrointestinal procedures.

Olympus develops devices used to help physicians manage bleeding endoscopically.

The portfolio includes technologies designed for different hemostasis approaches, including mechanical and energy-based methods.

These devices can be used during procedures where bleeding needs to be controlled without converting immediately to conventional surgery.

12. Surgical Endoscopy

Olympus is also a major supplier of surgical endoscopy technologies.

Surgical endoscopes are used during minimally invasive operations where surgeons make small incisions and insert a camera and instruments into the body.

Applications include:

• Laparoscopic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Urological surgery
• Gynecological procedures
• General surgery
• Other minimally invasive procedures

The company develops scopes, cameras, imaging platforms and surgical accessories for these procedures.

13. VISERA ELITE III

VISERA ELITE III is one of Olympus’s surgical visualization platforms.

The system is designed to support surgical endoscopy and advanced visualization.

It can work with compatible imaging technologies and surgical scopes to provide surgeons with detailed views of the operative field.

The platform’s compatibility with newer technologies such as the ENDOEYE FLEX 3D videoscope demonstrates Olympus’s continuing development of integrated surgical visualization.

14. Surgical Energy Devices

Olympus also manufactures technologies used to cut, dissect and coagulate tissue during surgery.

Surgical energy devices can provide controlled energy to tissue for applications such as:

• Cutting
• Coagulation
• Vessel sealing
• Tissue dissection
• Hemostasis

The appropriate energy technology depends on the surgical procedure and the tissue being treated.

15. Urology Equipment

Urology is another important area within Olympus’s current Surgical & Interventional Solutions business.

Its urology portfolio covers technologies for procedures involving:

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract conditions
• Prostate conditions
• Bladder disorders
• Other urological diseases

Products can include endoscopes, lithotripsy technologies, laser systems, resection equipment and other minimally invasive devices.

Olympus identifies urology as approximately 40% of its Surgical & Interventional Solutions Division in its FY2025 business breakdown.

16. Kidney Stone Treatment

Endoscopic technology is widely used in modern stone treatment.

Olympus develops equipment used in procedures such as ureteroscopy.

Depending on the clinical situation, physicians can use a small endoscope to reach stones in the urinary tract and then use appropriate treatment technologies to fragment or remove them.

The exact technique depends on stone size, location, patient anatomy and the physician’s assessment.

17. Respiratory Endoscopy

Olympus also manufactures technologies used in respiratory medicine.

Bronchoscopes can allow physicians to examine the airways and perform selected diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Respiratory applications can include:

• Lung lesion evaluation
• Airway examination
• Tissue sampling
• Bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial ultrasound
• Therapeutic airway procedures

Olympus identifies respiratory medicine as another significant component of its Surgical & Interventional Solutions business.

18. Single-Use Bronchoscopes

Disposable or single-use endoscopic technologies are becoming increasingly important in certain clinical environments.

Olympus has expanded its respiratory portfolio with single-use bronchoscopes.

In February 2026, Olympus announced pediatric-use indications in the United States for two Vathin single-use bronchoscopes.

Single-use scopes can offer advantages in selected situations by reducing the need for conventional reprocessing between patients.

19. Endoscopic Ultrasound

Olympus is also involved in endoscopic ultrasound technologies.

Endoscopic ultrasound combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging.

It can provide information about structures adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract and can support certain diagnostic and interventional procedures.

In May 2026, Olympus and Canon announced the U.S. launch of the Aplio i800 EUS Premium Ultrasound System, combining Canon’s ultrasound technology with Olympus’s endoscopic capabilities.

20. AI and Intelligent Endoscopy

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important area in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Olympus has developed CADDIE, a cloud-based AI solution designed to support detection of colorectal lesions.

In February 2026, Olympus announced results from the EAGLE trial evaluating CADDIE’s ability to support detection of high-risk and difficult-to-detect colorectal lesions.

AI does not replace the physician. Instead, systems such as these are designed to provide additional information or visual assistance during clinical procedures.

21. Olympus’s Current Business Structure

Olympus reorganized its medical business beginning in April 2025.

The previous Endoscopic Solutions Division and Therapeutic Solutions Division were transitioned into two new divisions:

Gastrointestinal Solutions Division

This business includes:

• GI Endoscopy
• GI Endotherapy
• Medical Services

Surgical & Interventional Solutions Division

This includes:

• Urology
• Respiratory
• Surgical Endoscopy
• Other therapeutic areas

The company’s FY2026 results report revenue of approximately ¥697.4 billion for Gastrointestinal Solutions and ¥313.1 billion for Surgical & Interventional Solutions.

22. Olympus FY2026 Financial Scale

Olympus reported ¥1,010.7 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2026.

Its operating profit for the year was reported at approximately ¥97.1 billion.

The company’s current financial information shows that gastrointestinal solutions represent the larger part of the medical business, reflecting Olympus’s longstanding strength in endoscopy.

23. From Camera Company to Medical Technology Company

Olympus is an interesting example of corporate transformation.

The Olympus brand was once widely associated with consumer cameras and optical equipment. However, the company has progressively shifted its focus toward medical technology.

Today, Olympus states that scientific and industrial products are no longer owned or controlled by Olympus Corporation, while imaging products such as cameras and binoculars were transferred to other companies.

The modern Olympus Corporation is therefore primarily recognized as a global MedTech company.

24. Why Endoscopy Is Important

Traditional diagnosis and surgery often required larger incisions.

Endoscopy changed many medical procedures by allowing physicians to see internal structures through relatively small access points or natural body openings.

Advantages of appropriate minimally invasive procedures can include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less tissue disruption
• Reduced hospital stay in selected procedures
• Faster recovery in some cases
• Ability to diagnose and treat during the same procedure

The exact benefits depend on the disease, procedure and patient’s overall condition.

Olympus has focused its medical strategy on technologies supporting early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

25. Olympus Medical Products in Simple Terms

For readers unfamiliar with medical equipment, Olympus can be understood through several major categories.

Endoscopy:
Gastroscopes, colonoscopes, bronchoscopes and other medical scopes.

Endotherapy:
Biopsy, polyp removal, hemostasis and other therapeutic accessories.

Surgical equipment:
Surgical endoscopes, imaging platforms, monitors and energy devices.

Urology:
Endoscopic and minimally invasive technologies for urinary tract procedures and stone treatment.

Respiratory medicine:
Bronchoscopes and technologies used for airway and lung-related procedures.

Digital and AI:
Advanced imaging, intelligent endoscopy and AI-assisted lesion detection.

26. Research and Innovation

Olympus continues to invest in technologies that can improve visualization, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.

Current innovation areas include:

• 4K imaging
• 3D visualization
• Infrared imaging
• AI-assisted endoscopy
• Single-use endoscopes
• Robotic endotherapy
• Advanced surgical imaging
• Improved endotherapy devices
• Integrated digital platforms

The company’s 2026 product announcements demonstrate continued development in 4K visualization, flexible 3D endoscopy, AI-assisted colorectal lesion detection and robot-assisted endotherapy.

27. Olympus in India and Asia-Pacific

Olympus has an established presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including India.

The company’s official support network specifically lists India among its Asia-Pacific medical-product markets.

Its regional operations provide access to medical endoscopes, surgical products, technical support, service and professional resources.

For hospitals and healthcare professionals, availability of specific Olympus products can vary according to local regulatory approvals and market conditions.

28. Frequently Asked Questions About Olympus

What is Olympus Corporation?

Olympus Corporation is a Japanese medical technology company specializing in endoscopy, endotherapy, surgical equipment and minimally invasive treatment technologies.

Where is Olympus headquartered?

Olympus Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

What is Olympus best known for?

Olympus is especially well known for gastrointestinal endoscopy, including gastroscopes and colonoscopes, as well as surgical endoscopy and endotherapy equipment.

Does Olympus make colonoscopy equipment?

Yes. Olympus manufactures gastrointestinal endoscopy systems, including colonoscopy equipment and related therapeutic accessories.

Does Olympus make surgical equipment?

Yes. Its portfolio includes surgical endoscopes, visualization systems, energy devices and other minimally invasive surgical technologies.

Does Olympus make bronchoscopes?

Yes. Respiratory endoscopy is part of its current Surgical & Interventional Solutions business, including bronchoscopic technologies.

Does Olympus make equipment for kidney stone treatment?

Yes. Urology is a major part of its medical portfolio, including technologies used in minimally invasive urological procedures.

What is Olympus CADDIE?

CADDIE is an Olympus AI solution designed to support detection of colorectal lesions during endoscopic examination.

What is VISERA ELITE III?

VISERA ELITE III is an Olympus surgical imaging platform designed for advanced surgical endoscopy and visualization.

Does Olympus manufacture 4K endoscopy equipment?

Yes. Olympus has developed 4K endoscopy and surgical visualization technologies, including 4K-capable scopes and medical monitors.

What is Olympus’s FY2026 revenue?

Olympus reported approximately ¥1.01 trillion in revenue for fiscal year 2026.

Conclusion

Olympus Corporation has evolved from its historical optical-technology roots into a highly specialized global medical technology company.

Its strongest area remains endoscopy, where it provides gastrointestinal endoscopes, imaging technologies and endotherapy devices used for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment. At the same time, the company has developed a broad surgical and interventional portfolio covering urology, respiratory medicine, surgical endoscopy and other therapeutic areas.

Modern Olympus technology increasingly combines high-resolution imaging, 3D visualization, infrared observation, artificial intelligence, single-use endoscopes and robot-assisted procedures.

With its continued investment in minimally invasive medicine and its strong global presence, Olympus remains one of the world’s most significant manufacturers of endoscopy and surgical medical equipment.