Join host Henry Norton in this episode of The Crux of Medtech as he speaks to Paul Roberts, co-founder of CMR Surgical and current CEO of Lupin Dental.
Paul shares the journey from building surgical robots in a former pig shed to co-founding one of the most recognised names in robotic surgery. Now, he’s applying that experience to an entirely new frontier, aesthetic dental robotics.
In this episode, Paul explains why dental veneers are about more than vanity, how robotic precision can eliminate outdated practices like tooth stumping, and why Lupin’s tech could completely transform smile restoration.
He also opens up about his medtech philosophy, including why engineers shouldn’t build products alone, and what it really takes to move from zero to launch in a capital-intensive field like robotics.
Key Topics
Why Paul left surgical robotics for dental robotics
The founding story of CMR Surgical
The clinical and aesthetic importance of veneers
How Lupin reduces a 5-visit dental process into 1
What medtech can learn from AlignTech and Invisalign
Building a profitable robot company without hundreds of millions
Related Insights
Crowns are outdated. Robotic veneers restore enamel with less damage
Engineers alone don’t make great products clinicians must co-create
One robotic session at Lupin replaces five traditional dental visits
India is a strategic first market and a smart regulatory play
Fail fast, but never compromise on patient safety
Core Challenges
Tooth restoration has long been inefficient: dentists rely on hand-guesswork for shaping and prepping teeth. It’s a manual, error-prone process that requires multiple appointments and can cause long-term sensitivity.
Lupin Dental solves this with AI-powered planning, CAD design, and a precision robot that prepares the tooth and bonds the veneer all in one session.
Tune in now to hear how surgical-grade robotics are reshaping the smile economy and why Lupin Dental could be the next CMR.
*The Lupin® Robotic System is not currently approved for clinical use in USA or EU.
The Crux of MedTech podcast is brought to you by Cruxx, a specialist surgical robotics recruitment agency.
To learn more about Cruxx, click here.
A big thank you to our sponsors on this season of the podcast;
TTP plc With a 35-year track record, TTP excels in turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Their team of 300+ experts deliver breakthrough solutions in areas ranging from endoluminal robotics and navigation systems to ultrasound imaging. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, TTP plc can accelerate your development with the latest technologies. Learn more at TTP.com
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KUKA is a global leader in robotics with over 25 years of experience partnering with medtech companies on their journey to market. Their reputation is built on robust technology, reliability and long term collaboration and being more than just a supplier.
KUKA provides trusted support throughout the product life cycle, from development to integration and beyond.
Find out more at kuka.com/healthcare
