The First Ever Handheld Robotics System for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

In this episode of Technology in Science, Toby Hyde speaks with Manios, CEO of Panda Surgical, to explore how AI in surgery, human factors engineering, and healthcare technology are transforming the design and deployment of modern medical devices in clinical settings.

Panda Surgical is developing the world’s first handheld robotics platform for minimally invasive neurosurgery. Designed to enhance dexterity, improve decision-making, and make complex procedures more accessible, the company’s work sits at the intersection of clinical operations jobs, medical devices, and strategic innovation.

Manios, CEO of Panda Surgical

Manios is the CEO and co-founder of Panda Surgical, a company founded at University College London (UCL) dedicated to developing the first handheld robotic system for minimally invasive neurosurgery. With a background that bridges biomedical engineering, robotics, and clinical research, he has dedicated his career to solving one of neurosurgery’s most persistent challenges: how to combine surgical control with digital intelligence.

Under his leadership, Panda Surgical is advancing from academic research to regulated medical device development, partnering with clinicians and regulatory bodies to bring next-generation AI in surgery to market.

Key Takeaways

• First-in-class innovation: Panda Surgical is developing the first handheld robotic platform specifically designed for minimally invasive neurosurgery.
• Human-centred design: Human factors engineering and ergonomic studies drive the product’s usability and safety validation.
• AI in surgery: Artificial intelligence supports intraoperative decision-making and reduces cognitive load on surgeons.
• Clinical collaboration: Continuous feedback from neurosurgeons ensures the medical devices meet both safety and performance standards.
• Regulatory readiness: Engagement with the FDA and MHRA is shaping a responsible pathway toward market clearance.
• The future of surgery: Compact robotics, affordable systems, and AI in surgery will redefine accessibility and precision.

Transforming Neurosurgery Through Handheld Robotics

Panda Surgical began as a research project at UCL under the supervision of Professor Dan Stoyanov, a leader in AI-assisted and robotic surgery, and Mr. Hani Marcus, a pioneer of minimally invasive neurosurgery. The concept was straightforward yet ambitious: to give neurosurgeons the intuitive control of a handheld instrument with the stability and precision of a robotic system.

“The challenge came directly from the operating room,” says Manios. “We saw that neurosurgeons could often do more if their instruments allowed it.”

The company’s first product is a handheld robotic platform capable of operating within the narrow corridors of the skull and spine. These procedures, often performed through the nose, eye, or small cranial openings, demand extraordinary precision. Panda Surgical’s system introduces robotic articulation into a compact handheld form, enabling surgeons to remove more tissue safely and navigate difficult angles without compromising surrounding structures.

Human Factors Engineering: Designing for the Surgeon’s Hand

In medical device recruitment and product development, ergonomics and human factors engineering determine whether a tool becomes a trusted clinical asset. Panda Surgical integrates these principles into every phase of design.

“Ergonomics and usability drive safety,” notes Manios. “If a tool feels intuitive, it reduces cognitive load and helps surgeons focus on the patient.”

The company collaborates closely with neurosurgeons to refine design geometry, movement sensitivity, and workflow integration. Every prototype undergoes structured usability testing to ensure the medical devices are intuitive, reliable, and compliant with medical device regulations UK.

By combining mechanical precision with intuitive control, Panda Surgical strengthens both clinical performance and regulatory readiness, an essential advantage in the competitive field of medical device recruitment.

AI in Surgery: Augmenting Clinical Decision-Making

Artificial intelligence is becoming an essential component of modern surgical robotics, and Panda Surgical integrates it as a decision-support tool rather than a replacement for human expertise.

The company’s AI systems assist surgeons in recognising critical anatomy, distinguishing tumour from healthy tissue, and guiding the safest resection path. In simulation studies, the system has been shown to improve accuracy and confidence for both trainees and experienced neurosurgeons.

Beyond the operating room, AI supports data-driven training, workflow optimisation, and post-operative documentation. Automating elements of surgical planning and review helps reduce administrative burden while providing valuable insights into performance and outcomes.

“Fully autonomous surgery is still a long way off,” explains Manios, “but AI can already make surgeons faster, safer, and more confident in real time.”

This philosophy mirrors a wider trend in healthcare technology: using data and robotics to amplify the surgeon’s skill, reduce variability, and make advanced care more accessible.

From Research to Regulation: Building a Responsible Pathway

Transitioning from university research to commercial medical devices requires a disciplined regulatory roadmap. Panda Surgical treats compliance not as an obstacle, but as a foundation for safe innovation.

The company has completed an FDA pre-submission and initiated engagement with the UK’s MHRA under the current medical device regulations UK. These conversations define the evidence required for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality.

The team is building a robust Quality Management System and conducting usability and preclinical studies to support a 2026 target for FDA clearance. This measured approach reflects the importance of medical device regulatory recruitment, building teams that understand both engineering and compliance from the start.

Collaboration and Commercialisation in Medical Devices

Panda Surgical’s success relies on collaboration. The company was co-founded by engineers, surgeons, and academics united by a single mission: improving patient outcomes through better instrumentation.

Its partnerships extend beyond the founding team. Regulatory specialists, clinical advisors, and investors all contribute to shaping the company’s direction. PrimovA, a neurosurgical device company, led the first investment round after recognising the platform’s commercial potential.

For early-stage medical device companies, this multidisciplinary approach is vital. It bridges the gap between innovation and clinical application, ensuring every design decision is informed by both evidence and real-world feedback.

The Future of Surgical Innovation

The vision driving Panda Surgical extends beyond one product. Handheld robotics could redefine accessibility in surgery by giving hospitals compact, affordable systems that fit into existing workflows without the cost or complexity of large platforms.

This scalability could help address surgical backlogs by reducing learning curves and broadening access to advanced neurosurgical techniques. It represents a future in which surgical robotics is no longer confined to specialist centres but becomes standard across healthcare systems.

By integrating human factors engineering, AI in surgery, and data-driven design, Panda Surgical exemplifies how the future of surgery will be shaped by collaboration, usability, and scalability across global medical device markets.

How Barrington James Accelerates Medical Device Growth

At Barrington James, we support organisations developing next-generation medical devices, surgical robotics, and AI-enabled healthcare technologies. Our recruitment specialists partner with companies like Panda Surgical that are advancing clinical operations and regulatory excellence.

We connect clients with professionals across every function required to move a medical device from research to market, including:

• Robotics and automation engineers
• Human factors and usability specialists
• Clinical operations leaders
• Quality and regulatory affairs managers
• Product development and commercial strategists

Our consultants understand the complexity of medical device recruitment, from meeting MDR and FDA requirements to building teams that can innovate responsibly.

Whether you are hiring for clinical operations jobs, expanding your medical device engineering team, or seeking experienced AI in surgery professionals, Barrington James is here to provide the insight and network to help you succeed.