From Creating the First WiFi Hotspot, to Revolutionizing Foetal Surgery

Technology in Science

In this episode, Toby speaks with Dave Saunders, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Galen Robotics, to examine how robotics, AI, and computer vision are transforming keyhole and foetal surgery.

Dave outlines how Galen’s FDA-cleared microsurgical assistant is helping surgeons improve precision, reduce fatigue, and expand access to complex procedures that were once limited by manual dexterity.

David Saunders, Co-Founder of Galen Robotics

Dave Saunders, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Galen Robotics, has built a career from technological progress. From helping create the first commercial Wi-Fi hotspot at Lucent Bell Labs to leading the development of the first cooperatively controlled microsurgical robotic assistant, he combines technical depth with commercial execution.

Galen Robotics was formed in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and focuses on narrow-corridor and keyhole surgical procedures in the upper head and neck. With recent FDA De Novo clearance, the company is pioneering how robotics, AI, and machine learning can deliver safer, more consistent, and more accessible surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Career of innovation: Dave Saunders has transitioned from Wi-Fi to surgical robotics, demonstrating how breakthroughs can evolve from research to market.
• Microsurgical robotics milestone: Galen Robotics has developed the first FDA-cleared microsurgical robotic assistant for keyhole surgery.
• AI and computer vision: Machine learning and vision systems are unlocking safer and faster approaches to bone drilling, navigation, and microsurgery.
• Collaboration with academia: Partnerships with Johns Hopkins researchers and clinicians are central to ensuring clinical relevance.
• Regulatory strategy: Success depends on mastering FDA and CE frameworks, QMS, and disciplined processes that support scalable products.
• Future outlook: Robotics, AI-powered tools, and AR in operating rooms will soon become routine in many complex procedures.

A Career Built on Firsts

Few leaders can say they helped invent the first Wi-Fi hotspot and now oversee a company developing robots capable of assisting in foetal surgery. Dave Saunders’ career reflects how experience across industries such as telecommunications, internet software, and medical devices can drive innovation in healthcare.

At Lucent Bell Labs, Saunders was part of the team that created the first consumer Wi-Fi hotspot. Later, he shifted into medical devices, where he discovered the commercial potential of robotics in surgery.

Bringing Keyhole Surgery Robotics to Market

Founded with technology licensed from Johns Hopkins University, Galen Robotics was built to solve a critical challenge in surgery. Procedures deep within the throat, ear, brain, and sinuses demand exceptional precision, yet traditional instruments often restrict a surgeon’s reach and stability.

Galen Robotics created a cooperatively controlled microsurgical assistant that enhances stability and precision while allowing the surgeon to remain in control. This innovation received FDA De Novo clearance, making it the first device of its kind.

AI and Machine Learning in Surgical Robotics

Computer Vision in Surgery

Machine learning is being applied to interpret CT scans and identify delicate anatomical structures such as nerves and bone. This makes it possible to create digital safety boundaries that support accuracy and reduce surgical risks.

• Middle ear surgery: Machine learning can reduce bone drilling time from 60 to 90 minutes to around 20 minutes.
• Transsphenoidal navigation: By combining robotics with endoscopes and computer vision, navigation becomes more accurate in complex regions of the skull base.
  
  

Practical AI for the Operating Room

By integrating computer vision, AI, and robotic systems, surgeons can access real-time insights during procedures. Applications range from highlighting tumors through augmented reality to tracking surgical motion data for training and performance analysis. These capabilities show how AI can play a central role in the operating room.

Why Regulation and Process Matter in Medical Devices

For medical device companies, regulatory approval is not simply a milestone but an essential foundation for trust and scalability. Building a prototype is only the start. To succeed in regulated environments, companies must implement QMS processes, design history files, validation, verification, and strict training compliance.

Dave Saunders explains that discipline does not limit creativity. Instead, it ensures every device meets safety standards and can be reproduced at scale. This is what transforms a prototype into a commercial product that surgeons and patients can rely on.

The Next Phase of Surgical Robotics

The Galen Robotics platform is designed to expand into new areas, including otology, neurosurgery, spine, foetal, and cardiothoracic surgery. By combining surgeon skill with robotic support, these systems can make complex procedures safer and more accessible.

Future developments may include AR-assisted guidance, haptic training, and motion tracking to support education and standardization. Just as procedures like nerve-sparing prostatectomy and LASIK became routine through robotics, the same transformation is expected in microsurgery.

How Barrington James Accelerates Medical Device Growth

At Barrington James, we provide specialist support in medical device recruitment. We work with organizations developing surgical robotics, AI healthcare systems, and next-generation medical devices. Our focus is on helping leaders build teams that can move technology from research to market.

We supply talent across every function required in regulated medical technology. This includes robotics engineers, machine learning developers, imaging specialists, regulatory affairs managers, quality professionals, clinical operations leaders, commercial strategists, and product managers. Our network covers both permanent hires and contract professionals who are actively seeking medical device jobs across the United States, Europe, and APAC.

If you are building a surgical robotics platform or AI-driven diagnostic tool, our team can help you recruit the cross-functional expertise needed to progress through research and development, regulatory clearance, and commercial rollout.