Channel Robotics
Category: Robotics / Embodied AI
Surgical robotics company developing a handheld, AI-enabled endoscopic robotic platform for minimally invasive procedures Channel Robotics was founded in 2023. The company is led by Philip A. Weissbrod, MD. Based in Del Mar, California, USA. Team size: 1-10. Total funding raised: $4.6M. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include True Ventures, Defined Ventures, Old Line Capital Partners.
- Founded
- 2023
- Headquarters
- Del Mar, California, USA
- Team size
- 1-10
- Total funding
- $4.6M
Value proposition
Handheld endoscopic robotic platform that delivers robotic-level dexterity through existing flexible endoscopes without requiring large, capital-intensive tower systems, making robotic surgery more accessible and affordable
Products and solutions
Channel One (AI-enabled handheld endoscopic robotic platform), miniaturized robotic instruments with super-human articulation for single-surgeon operation
Unique value
Democratizes access to advanced endoscopic robotics by delivering robotic precision in a handheld, affordable form factor that integrates with existing endoscopes and clinical workflows — no large robotic tower required
Target customer
Surgeons (otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists) and hospitals performing endoscopic procedures
Industries served
Surgical Robotics, Medical Devices, Endoscopy, Minimally Invasive Surgery
Technology advantage
Patented miniaturized endoscopic robotics technology leveraging AI for super-human articulation and intuitive control; single-surgeon operation (surgeon controls both endoscope and robot); integrates with existing flexible endoscopes; significantly lower cost and footprint vs. traditional surgical robotic systems
How they differentiate
Unlike traditional surgical robots that require large tower systems costing millions, Channel Robotics offers a handheld, miniaturized platform that attaches to existing endoscopes, dramatically reducing cost and footprint while enabling single-surgeon operation
Main competitors
Intuitive Surgical (da Vinci robotic systems), Johnson & Johnson (Monarch platform), Medtronic (Hugo RAS system)
Major milestones
2023: Company founded, 2025: Raised $4.6M total ($2.1M Seed + $2.5M Seed+), 2025: Finalist for UC San Diego Chancellor's Innovation Awards Startup of the Year, FDA submission targeted for 2027
Market positioning
Early-stage entrant in the endoscopic robotics market, targeting the gap between traditional manual endoscopy and large capital-intensive robotic surgery systems
Geographic focus
United States (San Diego-based, targeting FDA submission for 2027)
Patents and IP
Patented and patent-pending technologies for endoscopic robotic systems (per company website and PRNewswire release)
About Philip A. Weissbrod, MD
Professor & Chair of Otolaryngology at UC San Diego School of Medicine; Director of UCSD Center for Voice and Swallowing; Co-founder of Channel Robotics; MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine; Fellowship in laryngology at University of Washington; Residency at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Latest news about Channel Robotics
More Robotics / Embodied AI companies
Official website: https://www.channelrobotics.com
