323. Ortho: How this MINI Robot Can Take On Medtech Giants with Stuart Simpson, CEO of Think Surgical
Description
In this episode of The State of MedTech, host Omar M. Khateeb sits down with Stuart Simpson, President and CEO of THINK Surgical, to explore how handheld robotics and open platforms are transforming orthopedic surgery.
Stuart reveals the bold strategy behind the TMINI handheld robot, a device that’s rethinking what’s possible in orthopedic surgery by putting precision in the surgeon’s hands. From closing legacy programs to going all-in on handheld robotics, this conversation dives into leadership, risk-taking, and redefining industry norms.
You’ll learn how THINK Surgical is positioning itself against giants like Stryker and Zimmer Biomet, why open-platform robotics could finally give surgeons more choice, and what the future looks like for robotics in ASCs and beyond.
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 – Why handheld robotics is the future of orthopedics
1:00 – Welcome back Stuart Simpson, CEO of THINK Surgical
2:10 – From legacy robots to the TMINI handheld system
3:40 – Closing one program to bet everything on TMINI
5:00 – The bold decision to pivot THINK Surgical’s strategy
6:20 – How handheld robots fit into surgical workflows
8:00 – The rise of surgeon-centric design
9:30 – Data insights: ease of use and CT-based planning
10:50 – THINK Surgical’s guerrilla marketing campaign explained
12:30 – Competing with Stryker’s Mako and Zimmer Biomet’s robotics
15:00 – The end of closed systems in orthopedic robotics
17:00 – The economics of open-platform robotics
20:00 – Brand loyalty, implant choices, and surgeon autonomy
23:00 – Zimmer Biomet’s robotics strategy and the Monogram deal
25:00 – Handheld vs. autonomous robots: where the market is heading
27:00 – Why simplicity wins in healthcare innovation
29:00 – THINK Surgical’s growth and open platform goals
33:00 – The next wave of innovation in orthopedic robotics
35:00 – Turning competitors’ surgeons into THINK advocates
37:00 – Leadership, bold bets, and the future of medtech
40:00 – How to learn more and connect with THINK Surgical
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