Dopl Technologies, a Seattle startup, has developed a telerobotic ultrasound system with the goal of bringing specialist care to patients in rural areas. By enabling remote control of a robotic arm at a rural hospital by a sonographer located elsewhere, the system eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances to urban areas for diagnosis and treatment. The company aims to increase patient access to care, improve outcomes, and reduce costs for hospitals. Dopl was recently awarded $150,000 from the Flywheel Angel Network at the 2024 Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, Wash.
Founded almost two years ago, Dopl’s technology has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Co-founder and CEO Ryan James, a former Microsoft software engineer with a PhD from the University of Washington, leads the company. His co-founders, Steve Seslar, a cardiologist with 18 years of practice experience, and Wayne Monsky, an interventional radiologist with 20 years of experience, bring their medical expertise to the team. Dopl is currently working with hospitals to install their system for ultrasound exams and is generating revenue while focusing on understanding customer needs rather than rapid growth.
Dopl’s strategic partnership with T-Mobile capitalizes on the carrier’s 5G network to enable telerobotic exams to be conducted in mobile settings, such as moving vehicles on land, at sea, and in space. This collaboration represents a major advancement in healthcare technology. Dopl’s competition includes traditional ultrasound systems, AI assistants in ultrasound procedures, and other telerobotic systems like AdEchoTech. However, Dopl’s focus on the domestic market sets them apart from their competitors, who are typically more focused on international markets.
With a team of five employees and over $800,000 raised in funding, Dopl is poised to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Their innovative approach to delivering specialist care to rural patients has the potential to transform how healthcare services are provided. By harnessing the power of telerobotics and remote technology, Dopl is paving the way for a more accessible and cost-effective healthcare system. The company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and increasing revenue for hospitals demonstrates their dedication to addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing specialized medical care.
