I’ve been in a lot of rooms where the future was being built. Boardrooms at startups that would be worth billions. Garages where kids were hacking together the next big thing. I’ve been fortunate to be an early investor in companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Scale AI, so I’ve had a front-row seat to the AI revolution. But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for what I saw in that operating room.
It was a da Vinci surgical system. A multi-armed robot, controlled by a surgeon across the room, performing a complex procedure with a level of precision that was almost unbelievable. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve built and sold tech companies. I’ve seen what code and hardware can do. And what I saw in that OR was a glimpse into a future where robots are not just tools, but partners in some of the most critical moments of our lives.
The Robot in the Room
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about robots replacing surgeons. It’s about augmenting them. Think of it like a fighter pilot in a jet. The pilot is still in control, but the jet’s systems are doing a million calculations a second to make the pilot’s job easier, safer, and more effective. That’s what the da Vinci system does for a surgeon.
The surgeon sits at a console, looking at a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site. Their hand movements are translated into the robot’s movements, but with a crucial difference: the robot’s instruments are smaller and more precise than a human hand. They can rotate 360 degrees. They can eliminate even the slightest tremor. The result is a surgery that is less invasive, with smaller incisions, less blood loss, and a faster recovery time.
I remember talking to one of the surgeons after the procedure. He told me, “Sahin, I can do things with this robot that I could never do with my own hands. It’s like having superpowers.” And he’s right. This isn’t science fiction. This is happening right now, in hospitals all over the world.
From the Factory to the OR
My own journey in the world of robotics has been a long and winding one. I’ve invested in companies that are building autonomous vehicles, drone AI, and warehouse robots. I’ve seen how automation is transforming industries, from logistics to manufacturing. But healthcare is different. The stakes are so much higher.
When you’re building a robot to move boxes in a warehouse, a mistake might mean a damaged product. When you’re building a robot to assist in surgery, a mistake can have life-or-death consequences. That’s why the development of surgical robots has been so slow and deliberate. The technology has to be perfect.
But we’re finally at a point where the technology is mature enough to be widely adopted. And we’re seeing an explosion of innovation in the field. Companies like Figure AI and Tesla with its Optimus robot are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with humanoid robots. While they are not focused on surgery, the underlying technology in areas like computer vision, motion control, and AI are all transferable.
The Future of Surgery
So what does the future of surgery look like? I believe we’re moving towards a world where robotic surgery is the standard of care for many procedures. We’ll see smaller, more specialized robots designed for specific types of surgery. We’ll see more AI-powered features that can help surgeons make better decisions in the operating room.
Imagine a surgeon being able to overlay a patient’s MRI or CT scan onto their live view of the surgical site, like an augmented reality display. Imagine a robot that can learn from every procedure it performs, constantly improving its technique. This is the future that we’re building.
Of course, there are challenges. The cost of these systems is still high. There are regulatory hurdles to overcome. And there’s a natural and understandable fear of the unknown. But I’m confident that we can overcome these challenges. The benefits of robotic surgery are just too great to ignore.
I’ve always been a builder. I’ve built companies, I’ve built teams, and I’ve helped build the future of technology. And when I look at the world of robotic surgery, I see the same spirit of innovation and progress that has driven me throughout my career. It’s a field that is not just about technology, but about humanity. It’s about using our ingenuity to heal, to cure, and to make people’s lives better. And that’s a future I’m excited to be a part of.
I’ve had the privilege of being part of some incredible journeys in my career. From building and selling RemoteTeam to Gusto, to my early investment in companies that are now household names. But the journey of robotic surgery is one that I’m watching with particular interest. It’s a journey that will not only transform an industry, but will touch the lives of millions of people around the world. And that’s a legacy worth building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all experts agree with this view?
No, and that's fine. The best ideas in business are often contrarian. I share my perspective based on my experience and data, but I encourage you to seek out opposing viewpoints and form your own conclusions.
How can I apply this thinking to my own situation?
Start by identifying the core principle behind the opinion, not the specific example. Then ask yourself: does this principle apply to my context? If yes, test it in a small, low-risk way before going all in.
How has this view evolved over time?
My thinking on most topics has changed significantly over the years. Early in my career, I held many conventional views that experience proved wrong. I try to update my beliefs when the evidence changes.
What's the most common pushback you get on this?
People often push back by citing exceptions or edge cases. And they're usually right that exceptions exist. But building a strategy around exceptions rather than patterns is a losing game for most founders.