Diligent Robotics, an Austin-based innovator in healthcare automation, has announced the appointment of two former Cruise executives to its leadership team. Rashed Haq joins as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Todd Brugger assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Both bring extensive experience from their tenure at Cruise, General Motors’ autonomous vehicle subsidiary, which ceased operations earlier this year.
Founded in 2017 by Dr. Andrea Thomaz and Dr. Vivian Chu, Diligent Robotics has been at the forefront of integrating socially intelligent robots into healthcare settings. Their flagship product, Moxi, is designed to assist clinical staff by handling non-patient-facing tasks such as delivering supplies, medications, and lab samples. This allows healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to direct patient care, addressing critical issues like staff burnout and operational inefficiencies.
The strategic hiring of Haq and Brugger comes at a pivotal moment for Diligent Robotics. The company has successfully deployed approximately 100 Moxi robots across various hospitals and pharmacies. With plans to significantly scale operations, the expertise of these new leaders is expected to be instrumental.
Dr. Andrea Thomaz, co-founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of this expansion phase:
We’ve intentionally grown at a measured pace over the past few years, focusing on refining our operational efficiencies. Now, we’re poised to scale more dramatically, and the addition of Rashed and Todd to our team aligns perfectly with this vision.
Leadership Profiles:
– Rashed Haq, Chief Technology Officer (CTO): At Cruise, Haq served as Vice President and Head of AI and Robotics, overseeing the development and deployment of advanced autonomous driving technologies. His deep expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics is expected to drive innovation in Moxi’s capabilities, enhancing its adaptability and efficiency in dynamic healthcare environments.
– Todd Brugger, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Brugger held the position of COO at Cruise, where he played a crucial role in scaling the company’s operations from initial stages to a substantial fleet of autonomous vehicles. His experience in operational scaling and strategic growth will be vital as Diligent Robotics aims to expand its footprint in the healthcare sector.
The integration of Haq and Brugger into Diligent Robotics’ leadership team is anticipated to accelerate the company’s mission of transforming healthcare through automation. Their combined experience in AI, robotics, and large-scale operations positions the company to meet the growing demand for robotic solutions in healthcare settings.
Company Milestones and Future Plans:
Diligent Robotics has achieved significant milestones since its inception:
– Funding and Expansion: In September 2023, the company secured $25 million in financing led by Canaan, with participation from True Ventures, DNX Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, and Northwestern Medicine Innovation. This funding aims to fuel system-wide expansions of Moxi across hospitals nationwide and enhance product development. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diligent-robotics-closes-25-million-to-advance-systemwide-expansions-of-socially-intelligent-service-robots-empower-healthcare-professionals-301934988.html?utm_source=openai))
– Operational Achievements: Moxi robots have completed over 400,000 deliveries, returning more than 200,000 hours to healthcare staff for patient care. The robots have autonomously opened hundreds of thousands of doors and navigated elevators tens of thousands of times, demonstrating their reliability and efficiency. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diligent-robotics-closes-25-million-to-advance-systemwide-expansions-of-socially-intelligent-service-robots-empower-healthcare-professionals-301934988.html?utm_source=openai))
– Client Adoption: Moxi is currently operational in over 22 health systems, representing more than 200 hospitals nationwide. Notable clients include Northwestern Medicine, which has deployed Moxi to automate and schedule pickups of lab specimens and medications, positively impacting staff workflow and morale. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diligent-robotics-closes-25-million-to-advance-systemwide-expansions-of-socially-intelligent-service-robots-empower-healthcare-professionals-301934988.html?utm_source=openai))
With the addition of Haq and Brugger, Diligent Robotics is well-positioned to scale its operations and meet the increasing demand for robotic solutions in healthcare. The company’s focus on enhancing Moxi’s capabilities and expanding its deployment aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating automation to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
Industry Context:
The healthcare sector is experiencing a significant shift towards automation to address challenges such as staff shortages, burnout, and the need for operational efficiency. Robotic solutions like Moxi are becoming integral in supporting healthcare professionals by handling routine tasks, thereby allowing them to focus on critical patient care.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of automation in healthcare, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to support overburdened staff and maintain high standards of patient care.
Conclusion:
Diligent Robotics’ strategic leadership appointments mark a significant step in the company’s growth trajectory. By leveraging the expertise of former Cruise executives, the company aims to scale its operations and enhance the capabilities of its healthcare robots. As the healthcare industry continues to embrace automation, Diligent Robotics is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
