The insight and advice of top-tier CEOs

Last Updated on
September 8, 2023

In the swiftly evolving realm of technology, trailblazing CEOs are architecting the future of healthcare, a future where the role of purchase order software becomes paramount. Step into the world where innovative digital solutions redefine supply chain management, supercharge operational efficiency, and pave the way for revolutionary breakthroughs in the healthcare industry.

Join us as we delve into the game-changing insights of industry leaders like Anthony Fernando of Asensus Surgical, Cody Simmons of DermaSensor, Jordan Kretchmer of Rapid Robotics, Maarten Logtenberg of CEAD Group, and William Santana Li of Knightscope. 

These forward-thinkers are revolutionizing surgery, skin cancer detection, manufacturing, and security technology, offering a glimpse into a future where innovation and precision redefine the boundaries of possibility

Guidance for Decoding the Future of Surgery: Anthony Fernando's Game-Changing Insights at Asensus Surgical

Asensus Surgical lead by President & CEO, Anthony Fernando, revolutionizes laparoscopic surgery with tech-infused precision. The Senhance Surgical System's real-time insights enhance decisions, elevating patient outcomes and reshaping surgical standards.

“Digital adaptation is something that will significantly grow in the medical technology space, because all the other Industries seem to have evolved digitally quite a bit, but to some extent, the med tech industry has been lagging on the digital front.”

Anthony Fernando's statement about the growing significance of digital adaptation in the medical technology space underscores a critical aspect of the healthcare industry's future. It highlights the need for the Medtech sector to catch up with other industries in harnessing the power of digital technologies. 

Asensus, which initially entered the scene as a surgical device company in 2006, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic multi-surgical-device and robotics-focused enterprise. This evolution perfectly aligns with the ever-evolving Medtech landscape, which rapid technological advancements have profoundly shaped.

Anthony Fernando underscored a fundamental perspective regarding the role of robotics in surgery. Contrary to the misconception of replacing human surgeons, robotics is a potent tool to augment surgeons' capabilities. The primary objective here is not substitution but enhancement – empowering surgeons with additional precision and predictability, ultimately resulting in reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, Anthony Fernando envisions a significant paradigm shift in the Medtech industry. He foresees a burgeoning focus on digital adaptation as the sector strives to keep pace with the digital evolution observed in other industries. This transformation entails leveraging data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud technology to revolutionize healthcare solutions and elevate the standard of patient care.

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Revolutionizing Skin Cancer Detection: Advices from Cody Simmons, CEO of DermaSensor

DermaSensor led by CEO Cody Simmons, innovates healthcare, revolutionizing skin cancer detection. Its device, backed by ESS technology, delivers non-invasive, 97% accurate results. User-friendly, wireless, and cloud-connected, DermaSensor empowers providers with precise, accessible skin cancer assessment.

"Our focus is not having a perfect tool making doctors perfect; it's making doctors better than they are today, augmented intelligence is a term that's often used."

With this statement Cody emphasizes that their device, while not perfect, aims to enhance doctors' abilities using augmented intelligence rather than replacing them. DermaSensor's core objective is to empower primary care physicians in early skin cancer detection, a critical factor given that, as Simmons states 99% of skin cancers are curable when detected early. Their innovative non-invasive device employs light to evaluate and prioritize suspicious skin lesions, complementing a physician's visual assessment.

Cody further delves into recent studies highlighting the device's significant impact on reducing missed skin cancer diagnoses. In a pivotal study involving 108 primary care physicians and over 10,000 lesion assessments, the device cut the rate of overlooked skin cancer cases in half, underscoring its vital role in light of the substantial annual skin cancer diagnoses in the US.

Simmons also reveals DermaSensor's expansion into the Australian and New Zealand markets, accompanied by their unwavering commitment to obtaining FDA clearance in the US. Despite grappling with global supply chain disruptions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, he candidly addresses the intricate challenges of managing the supply chain and manufacturing processes as a strong advice.

Furthermore, he shares valuable wisdom with aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice underscores the importance of choosing a problem that ignites one's passion and emphasizes the need to be well-prepared for the challenging yet ultimately fulfilling path of building a successful startup.

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Revolutionizing Manufacturing: Jordan Kretchmer's Blueprint for Rapid Robotics Triumph

Rapid Robotics, led by Co-founder & CEO Jordan Kretchmer, is at the forefront in robotic solutions, is transforming industries with affordable, user-friendly automation. Their groundbreaking Rapid Machine Operator (RMO) optimizes operations, boosting productivity, reducing labor expenses, and ensuring competitive triumph in a swiftly changing market.

"Our business model finally allows for monetarily automating the easy stuff. We're re-educating the market on what we call bottoms-up transformation."

Jordan highlighted Rapid Robotics' unique ability to deploy robots in just one to two weeks, a significant departure from the traditional 9 to 12-month timeline. He stressed the importance of such rapid deployment, particularly in an industry facing a severe labor shortage.

Additionally, Jordan discussed Rapid Robotics' consultative approach, where they educate manufacturers about automating the right tasks. By prioritizing low-barrier, highly repetitive tasks ideal for automation, Rapid Robotics helps manufacturers see immediate value. This approach challenges the conventional thinking of long-term, high-cost automation projects.

Kretchmer tells us how Rapid Robotics collaborates with different company departments, including procurement, finance, legal, automation, and HR, to ensure everyone grasps the advantages of their unique Robotics as a Service (RaaS) model. HR departments, in particular, find relief from labor turnover due to automation, facilitating employee retention and recruitment. Marking how innovation in robotics and automation can address pressing industry challenges.

As for challenges, Jordan mentioned two significant ones. First, the supply chain for certain custom components has become a bottleneck, affecting deployment timelines. Second, working with manufacturers, both small and large, often involves coordinating with various stakeholders, each with their own set of challenges and expectations. His advice? The educational aspect is crucial in overcoming challenges.

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Forging the Future: CEAD Group's Revolutionizing Large-Scale 3D Printing with Maarten Logtenberg's Insights

CEAD Group guide by Maarten Logtenberg, the CTO and Co-Founder, leads in redefining large-scale 3D printing, enabling intricate and massive components. With advanced technology and holistic services, they shape a new manufacturing era.

"Get out there, talk to people, talk to your customers. Don't just engineer something and hope to find the market fit; it doesn't work like that. (...) Talk to people who have been there before you; it will save you a lot of headache."

With this statement Maarten encapsulates a core philosophy that has contributed to CEAD Group's success—a commitment to learning from those who have tread the path before you. Maarten emphasized the importance of seeking advice and building a network of experienced individuals who can offer valuable insights and guidance. This proactive approach not only helps avoid common pitfalls and accelerates the learning curve in a rapidly evolving field.

Maarten elucidated how CEAD forged a strategic alliance with Siemens to leverage the capabilities of a high-end CNC controller, thereby ensuring precise control of their robotic systems. The advice here? The integration of technologies became the cornerstone of their ability to attain the precision demanded by milling processes.

Logtenberg underscored the significance of investments in crucial systems, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools and stringent quality control measures, as indispensable steps to streamline their operations effectively.

Moreover, Maarten delved into the exciting prospects of large-scale 3D printing within the manufacturing sector. He envisages a future where entire factories seamlessly incorporate 3D printing and CNC milling technologies, forming interconnected ecosystems of machines. The overarching objective is to enhance the accessibility and user-friendliness of these cutting-edge technologies.

In technology and entrepreneurship, Maarten's counsel to seek guidance from those who have traversed similar paths is an invaluable beacon of wisdom for burgeoning engineers and entrepreneurs alike.

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Leading the Future of Security Technology with William Santana Li, CEO of Knightscope

Knightscope, guided by William Santana Li, CEO, leads the way in the security technology sector, creating cutting-edge Autonomous Security Robots (ASRs) equipped with advanced sensors and cameras. These robots excel at identifying and surveilling individuals, vehicles, and objects in their environment. Knightscope's ASRs are transforming the industry by providing a more efficient, budget-friendly, and sophisticated alternative, all while prioritizing improving public safety and security.

“For us probably the most rewarding is a happy client and one that we can make a big impact and if you go to nightscope.com you can see the long list of wonderful things that these machines have already done for society and we're just getting started. “

This statement emphasizes that Knightscope's most excellent satisfaction comes from happy clients and making a substantial societal impact through technology. They have evidence of their positive influence on their website and believe there is more to come.

William Santana's journey from a former automotive executive to founding Knightscope, highlights the audacious nature of entrepreneurship. Despite receiving advice that the concept of autonomous security robots wouldn't work, he and his team pressed on.

Santana's long-term vision for Knightscope is to deploy their technology across the United States to assist law enforcement and security personnel perform their duties more effectively. The company aims to establish a network of a million machines nationwide.

The CEO emphasized that, at present, their primary focus is on securing the United States. Although expansion into other countries may occur in the future, it is a long-term goal. This disciplined approach contrasts with the conventional startup rush to expand globally.

Santana shared his unique approach to raising capital for Knightscope. Instead of exclusively pursuing traditional venture capital, he prioritized finding the correct type of capital for the company's specific needs, even before going public.

Watch the full interview here